understood for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understood for" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not commonly used and may lead to confusion. A more appropriate phrase would be needed to express the intended idea. Example: "The concept was understood for its implications in the field of science."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He had not understood for years.

The New Yorker

Brands will be known and understood for what they offer".

The New York Times

Tropical hydrology is poorly understood for a number of reasons.

Journal of Hydrology

The basic dynamics of earthquakes have been understood for decades.

The New York Times - Science

These dynamics need to be understood for management.

Journal of Arid Environments

Events in Gaza must be understood for what they are: the end of Palestinian national aspirations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The connection between oil shocks and recessions has been understood for decades.

Harvard Business Review

"The real import of Mark's work may not be understood for years," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The contractile paradigm for the calcium-calmodulin-MLCK dependent contraction has been understood for some time.

Nature

Watching them, I felt I understood for the first time why Fuller became famous.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

How participants understood "for-profit" was not clear, and represents an important avenue for further research.

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understood for", consider if a more precise preposition like "as" or "because of" would improve clarity. For example, prefer "understood as" to clarify the interpretation or classification.

Common error

Avoid using "understood for" generically when more specific prepositions could enhance clarity. For instance, instead of "The concept is understood for its impact", consider "The concept is understood because of its impact" or "The concept is understood as having a significant impact."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood for" functions as a linking phrase connecting a subject with a reason or characteristic that explains the understanding. However, its usage is often considered awkward and can be replaced with clearer alternatives, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understood for" connects a subject with a reason or characteristic that explains the understanding. While it appears in various contexts like Science and News & Media, its grammatical correctness is often questioned, and Ludwig AI indicates that it's "not correct". It's advisable to use clearer alternatives like "understood as" or "known for" to enhance clarity and precision in writing. Its varied presence in sources suggests a neutral register, though less common in formal settings. It’s best used when highlighting the reason or purpose behind an understanding, but careful consideration should be given to whether a more precise phrase would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understood as

Focuses on the interpretation or classification of something.

comprehended as

Focuses on the mental grasp or understanding of something, often in a more formal context.

recognized as

Emphasizes the acknowledgement or formal acceptance of something.

perceived as

Focuses on the subjective interpretation or view of something.

known for

Highlights the fame or reputation associated with something.

regarded as

Indicates a particular opinion or viewpoint about something.

appreciated for

Implies gratitude or value placed on something.

deemed as

Highlights a formal judgment or assessment of something.

grasped for

Conveys an active attempt to understand or seize something.

taken for

Suggests a mistaken identity or assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "understood for" in a sentence correctly?

While "understood for" can be used, it's often better to use phrases like "understood as" or "known for" to provide greater clarity and grammatical correctness. Ensure the context supports the use of "for" to indicate a reason or purpose.

What are some alternatives to "understood for" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can replace "understood for" with alternatives such as "recognized as", "appreciated for", or "regarded as". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to use the phrase "understood for" in formal writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "understood for" is less common and can sound awkward in formal writing. It is advisable to use more precise and standard alternatives to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. Prefer using phrasings like "understood to be" or other such options as may be more appropriate.

When is it most appropriate to use "understood for" versus other similar phrases?

Use "understood for" when you specifically want to highlight the reason or purpose why something is understood in a particular way. If the focus is on how it's interpreted or classified, "understood as" is more suitable. If it's about reputation, "known for" is best.