understood to have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understood to have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a general consensus or interpretation regarding a situation or statement. Example: "The policy is understood to have been implemented to improve employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Protection for sex workers was understood to have been dropped.

The Guardian

He is understood to have had a more pressing engagement.

The Guardian - Sport

Universal is understood to have arranged alternative distribution.

The Guardian - Business

The winger is understood to have been deeply disillusioned.

The Guardian - Sport

Accordingly, the record is understood to have instantly gone platinum.

The Guardian - Music

The meeting is understood to have lasted about 90 minutes.

The Guardian

Mikel is understood to have visited Clattenburg in his room.

The Guardian - Sport

Clarke is understood to have prepared meticulously for the committee.

The Guardian

About 130 staff are understood to have taken voluntary redundancy.

The Guardian

Lewis is understood to have put three options to MacLennan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ed Miliband is understood to have pressed Lewis to stand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understood to have" when you want to convey that a piece of information is generally accepted but not definitively proven. This phrase is useful in journalistic and academic writing where absolute certainty may not be possible.

Common error

Avoid using "understood to have" when you possess concrete evidence. In such cases, it's better to present the facts directly without hedging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understood to have" functions as a hedge, indicating that a statement is based on a general understanding or consensus rather than concrete proof. It is often used in contexts where absolute certainty is not possible or when relaying information from secondary sources. This aligns with Ludwig AI's observation that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "understood to have" is a grammatically correct and frequently used hedge that indicates a general understanding or consensus regarding a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and business writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of the degree of certainty you wish to convey and avoid overstating claims when concrete evidence is available. Consider using alternatives such as "believed to have" or "presumed to have" to fine-tune the nuance of your statement. Ludwig's examples provide ample context for appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believed to have

Emphasizes the belief aspect more strongly than a simple understanding.

presumed to have

Suggests an assumption based on probability, rather than direct evidence.

thought to have

Indicates a less formal belief or opinion.

considered to have

Implies a more formal or deliberate assessment.

reported to have

Highlights that the information is based on reports, which may or may not be verified.

alleged to have

Suggests that the information is an accusation that has not been proven.

known to have

Indicates that the information is widely accepted or acknowledged.

deemed to have

Implies a judgment or official decision.

revealed to have

Suggests previously unknown information that has come to light.

suspected to have

Indicates a suspicion based on limited evidence.

FAQs

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

Use "understood to have" to indicate a generally accepted but not definitively proven fact. For example, "The new policy is understood to have improved employee satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "understood to have"?

You can use alternatives like "believed to have", "presumed to have", or "thought to have" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "understood to have" or "known to have"?

"Known to have" implies a higher degree of certainty and acceptance compared to "understood to have". Use "known" when the information is widely acknowledged and well-established.

When should I avoid using "understood to have"?

Avoid using "understood to have" when you have direct evidence or proof of something. In those cases, stating the fact directly is more effective and credible. Also avoid if the sentence can be reframed with the word allegedly.