understood not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understood not to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is perceived or interpreted in a certain way, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The terms of the agreement were understood not to include any additional fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They eventually understood not to bother her.

Harvard University

The above allegations are understood not to be against Smith.

The Guardian

However, despite that downward spiral, Pearson's job is understood not to be in any immediate danger.

The Guardian - Sport

Kuenssberg is understood not to have been contacted by BBC management before the tweet went out.

The Guardian

His colleague remains in hospital though his condition is understood not to be life-threatening.

Independent

The plan to extract the teenager is understood not to have involved the British and Turkish authorities.

The Guardian

Initial interviews were concluded last week and Channel 4 is understood not to have made a final decision.

The Guardian

But police are understood not to have been given specific dates of when the abuse took place.

The Guardian

The person involved, who is understood not to be a teacher, was questioned and has been released on police bail.

The Guardian

She is understood not to be returning to editing the weekend titles, but her new role is unclear.

The Guardian

Mikel is understood not to have heard the alleged comment, which was relayed to him by team-mate Ramires.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understood not to" in formal writing when conveying that a piece of information is generally accepted but perhaps not explicitly stated or proven. This often implies a degree of implied knowledge or consensus among relevant parties.

Common error

Avoid using "understood not to" in casual conversation or informal writing. More straightforward phrases like "not believed to" or "not thought to" are generally more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood not to" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating that a piece of information is generally accepted but not necessarily definitively proven. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understood not to" is a versatile tool in formal English writing, signaling a generally accepted but often unstated understanding. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound. Its prevalence in news and academic contexts underscores its suitability for conveying information with a degree of implied knowledge or consensus. While alternatives like "believed not to" or "assumed not to" exist, "understood not to" maintains a unique connotation of shared perception, making it a valuable asset in precise and nuanced communication. Avoid using it in informal conversation where it could sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpreted as not

Focuses on the act of interpretation, emphasizing a specific reading or construction of events.

believed not to

Replaces "understood" with "believed", suggesting a degree of uncertainty or personal conviction rather than a general understanding.

construed as not

Indicates a formal or legal interpretation, often used in technical contexts.

considered not to

Signifies a deliberate evaluation or contemplation leading to a particular conclusion.

taken not to

Suggests a specific action of receiving or accepting information with a particular interpretation.

viewed as not

Emphasizes a particular perspective or angle from which something is perceived.

deemed not to

Implies a formal judgment or decision, often by an authority or governing body.

assumed not to

Implies a presumption or supposition, differing from a confirmed understanding.

presumed not to

Similar to "assumed not to", indicating a belief based on probability rather than direct evidence.

thought not to

Represents a personal opinion or consideration rather than a widely held understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "understood not to" in a sentence?

Use "understood not to" when you want to express that something is generally perceived or accepted as not being the case. For example, "The agreement was "understood not to" include additional fees."

What are some alternatives to "understood not to"?

Alternatives include "believed not to", "assumed not to", or "interpreted as not", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "understood not to" or "not understood to"?

"Understood not to" is generally preferred in formal writing, as it is a more established idiom. "Not understood to" might sound slightly awkward or less idiomatic.

What's the difference between "understood not to" and "assumed not to"?

"Understood not to" implies a general agreement or perception, while "assumed not to" suggests a presumption based on limited information. The former carries a sense of broader consensus, while the latter indicates a personal belief or supposition.