understood completely

USAGE SUMMARY

"understood completely" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to emphasize that something has been fully grasped or comprehended. For example, "The instructions were clear, and I understood completely." Alternative expressions include "fully understood" and "entirely grasped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I understood completely.

The New York Times

Mr. Ferguson understood completely.

The New York Times - Tech

Are they understood completely?

Nuclear Engineering and Design

It's not really understood completely.

The New York Times

Brett understood completely how mercurial Holmes could be.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I understood completely her willingness to let me have it.

The New York Times

When he typed, "Take it," I understood completely.

The New York Times

"I wish he understood completely," Mr. Cassidy said.

The New York Times - Arts

Alexander Zalben, 30, the show's moderator, understood completely.

The New York Times

They maintain that his teachings can be understood completely within a Buddhist framework.

Britannica

Everything was to be understood completely at the molecular genomic level.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and scientific contexts, this phrase is most effective when used in the negative (e.g., "not yet understood completely") to accurately describe the limitations of current research.

Common error

Do not combine "understood completely" with other absolute adverbs such as in "totally understood completely". Because "completely" already implies a 100% state, adding more adverbs is redundant and clutter your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood completely" functions as a verb phrase consisting of the past participle "understood" modified by the intensifying adverb "completely". In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears as a predicative adjective or as part of a passive construction to describe the state of knowledge regarding a specific subject or mechanism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understood completely" is a robust and highly reliable expression used to denote a total grasp of information. Analysis of Ludwig AI data reveals that it is a staple of scientific inquiry, frequently appearing in the negative to highlight areas where more research is required (e.g., "the mechanism is not yet understood completely"). In journalism and literature, it is often employed to show empathy or to confirm that a complex social or emotional point has been taken. It is grammatically sound, carries a neutral to formal tone and is preferred by high-authority sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing, consider using it at the end of a sentence for maximum impact, or opt for "fully understood" if you prefer the adverb to precede the verb for a smoother flow in formal reports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully understood

Standard variant where the adverb precedes the verb, often preferred in formal writing.

entirely grasped

Uses a more active verb to suggest a firm mental hold on the information.

wholly understood

A slightly more literary alternative to using the adverb completely.

thoroughly comprehended

Higher register of language suitable for academic or technical reporting.

perfectly clear

Shifts focus from the subject's understanding to the inherent clarity of the object.

comprehended in its entirety

A more wordy, formal way to express that no part of the information was missed.

perceived with absolute clarity

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in how the information was received.

known in full

Emphasizes the scope of knowledge rather than the cognitive process of understanding.

mastered completely

Suggests a level of expertise or skill beyond just basic comprehension.

transparently obvious

Implies that the understanding requires no effort because the meaning is so plain.

FAQs

How do I use "understood completely" in a sentence?

You can use it to confirm receipt of information, such as "I heard your concerns and I "understood completely"." It is also frequently used in science to indicate gaps in knowledge, as in "the mechanism is not yet "understood completely"."

What is the difference between "completely understood" and "understood completely"?

Both are grammatically correct. "Completely understood" is slightly more common in mid-sentence positions, while ""understood completely"" is often used at the end of a clause for emphasis.

Can I say "fully understood" instead?

Yes, "fully understood" is a perfect synonym and is often used in professional or legal contexts to indicate that all terms have been grasped.

Is "understood completely" formal enough for an essay?

Yes, it is widely used in academic journals and prestige news sources. However, for a more sophisticated academic tone, you might consider "thoroughly comprehended".