understood by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understood by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is comprehensible or clear to a particular person or group. Example: "The complex theory was finally understood by the students after the professor's detailed explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is not widely understood by patients.

Independent

Madras jackets well understood by Ahmet.

The New Yorker

"Here I'm the barbarian, understood by nobody".

The Guardian - Books

This is understood by those defending privilege.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That should be understood by now.

The New York Times - Sports

At least, that was understood by dinosaur enthusiasts.

The Guardian

It's understood by the police to be necessary".

The Guardian

"Some parts are not well understood by anyone".

The New York Times - Sports

Should all art be easily understood by everybody?

The New York Times

Words have customary meanings understood by ordinary people.

The New York Times

I think that impulse is understood by almost everybody".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understood by", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether something is "understood by experts", "understood by the public", or "understood by a specific group".

Common error

Avoid assuming universal understanding when using "understood by". Qualify the statement to specify who understands the concept, preventing the implication that everyone shares the same comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood by" functions as a passive construction indicating comprehension or knowledge. As noted by Ludwig, this construction suggests that a subject is comprehended or known by a specific agent or group. Examples from Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understood by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to indicate that a concept or idea is comprehended by a specific individual or group. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure you specify who is doing the understanding to prevent ambiguity. While alternatives like "comprehended by" or "grasped by" exist, "understood by" maintains a neutral register and is suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehended by

Replaces "understood" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing intellectual grasp.

grasped by

Implies a quick and intuitive understanding, rather than a gradual one.

known to

Shifts the focus to awareness or familiarity, rather than in-depth comprehension.

perceived by

Highlights the subjective interpretation or awareness of something.

recognized by

Emphasizes acknowledgement or identification, rather than full understanding.

appreciated by

Indicates a valuing or positive reception of something.

internalized by

Suggests a deep, personal acceptance and integration of knowledge.

accepted by

Focuses on agreement or approval, rather than intellectual understanding.

acknowledged by

Highlights the recognition or admission of something, often officially.

deciphered by

Suggests that some level of interpretation is required to gain understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "understood by" in a sentence?

Use "understood by" to indicate that a concept, idea, or message is comprehended or grasped by a specific group or individual. For instance, "The theory is easily "understood by" experts in the field".

What are some alternatives to "understood by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "grasped by", "comprehended by", or "known to". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who "understood by" refers to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the group or individual who understands something clarifies your statement and prevents misinterpretations. Omitting this information can lead to ambiguity.

What's the difference between "understood by" and "perceived by"?

"Understood by" implies a level of comprehension and knowledge, whereas "perceived by" focuses on how something is interpreted or viewed. Understanding involves grasping the meaning, while perception involves sensory or cognitive awareness.