understood to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understood to be" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is generally accepted or assumed to be true, even though it hasn't been explicitly stated or confirmed. For example, "The product is understood to be the most advanced of its kind on the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Living is understood to be the exception.

The New York Times

Celtic are understood to be one.

The Guardian - Sport

Concussions are understood to be especially damaging.

The Guardian - Sport

Buckingham Palace is understood to be supportive.

The Guardian

Jordan is understood to be demanding £1m.

The Guardian - Sport

Style is understood to be a component of character.

Yale University

However, they are also understood to be state employees.

The Guardian

The investment is understood to be £25m-£30m £25m-£30m

The Times

It was just what you understood to be the position?

The Guardian

Hariri was widely understood to be Saudi's man in Lebanon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Doughty's motion was understood to be attracting significant support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "understood to be" with specific evidence to strengthen your claims. For instance, "Based on several reports, the new policy is understood to be unpopular among employees."

Common error

Avoid using "understood to be" as a substitute for actual evidence or verification. If something is genuinely understood, providing supporting details enhances your argument. Saying "The project is understood to be successful" without any context is weak; instead, specify 'The project is understood to be successful based on the preliminary results'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood to be" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is generally accepted, assumed, or believed by a group of people. It is often used when the source of the understanding is not explicitly stated or is widely held. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understood to be" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a general acceptance or common assumption, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. While the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to ensure clarity and provide supporting evidence when possible. Consider alternatives like "presumed to be" or "believed to be" to add nuance to your writing. Overall, "understood to be" is a valuable tool for conveying shared understanding, but should be employed judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presumed to be

Emphasizes an assumption made based on available evidence, rather than a confirmed understanding.

assumed to be

Implies a belief taken for granted without concrete proof, focusing on supposition.

believed to be

Highlights a conviction or faith in something, potentially based on subjective opinion.

considered to be

Suggests a formal assessment or judgment, implying a degree of deliberation.

regarded as

Indicates a widespread opinion or reputation, showcasing how something is generally viewed.

deemed to be

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

accepted as

Focuses on the recognition and validation of something, highlighting its widespread approval.

known as

Describes something recognized or identified by a particular name or characteristic.

thought to be

Indicates a tentative belief or speculation, often without strong evidence.

taken for granted as

Highlights a belief so common it's rarely questioned or examined.

FAQs

How can I use "understood to be" in a sentence?

Use "understood to be" to indicate something is generally accepted or assumed, even without explicit confirmation. For instance, "The new policy is "understood to be" beneficial for all employees".

What are some alternatives to "understood to be"?

Alternatives include "presumed to be", "assumed to be", or "believed to be", each offering slightly different nuances in meaning.

Which is correct, "understood to be" or "understand to be"?

"Understood to be" is the correct form. "Understand to be" is grammatically incorrect in standard English usage. Use ""understood to be"" to convey general acceptance or assumption.

What's the difference between "understood to be" and "known to be"?

"Understood to be" implies a general acceptance or assumption, while "known to be" suggests something is definitively established and recognized as fact.