was understood through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was understood through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining how something was comprehended or interpreted, often in relation to a specific method or medium. Example: "The complex theory was understood through a series of detailed illustrations that clarified the concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

As Francesca Bray has observed, in China's late Imperial period (from roughly 960 1911), motherhood was understood through the "duality" of the "natural" (or physical) and "social" mother, two roles that could be separated and often mapped onto a class hierarchy that valued the educational and moral contributions of the social mother most highly (Bray 1997 347).

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

But especially for the German idealists like Hegel, Plato's philosophy was understood through the lenses of more Aristotelian varieties of neo-Platonism, which pictured the thoughts of a divine mind as immanent in matter, and not as contained in some purely immaterial or spiritual mind.

SEP

It was a life that was understood through their faith.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Iran's nuclear calculations can best be understood through the prism of parochial politics.

The New York Times

The true nature of the uprising cannot be understood through its postwar commemorations but only through its wartime origins.

The New York Times

Both peoples must be understood through their specific history and accept the fact that their destinies are inextricably linked.

The Economist

So much about what Alaska really is can only be understood through what it takes to get there.

The Guardian - Books

"Her paintings were her narrative, just like Alanis's life story can be understood through her lyrics".

The New York Times - Magazine

There was no sign or explanation on the door, nor could the waitress be understood through the glass.

The New York Times

If the full complexity of El Attar's work can't be understood through translation, his rallying call stands clear.

The Guardian

The truth that we came away with through our experience with Mr. Tudor is that the language of the work is understood through the actual choreography.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was understood through", ensure that the 'through' part of the phrase clearly identifies the method, medium, or perspective that facilitated the understanding. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was understood through" without specifying what exactly facilitated the understanding. For instance, instead of writing 'The concept was understood through,' clarify it by saying 'The concept was understood through detailed examples.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was understood through" functions as a passive construction indicating how something was comprehended or interpreted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The examples show it's used to link a subject to the method or medium by which it became understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was understood through" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing comprehension facilitated by a specific method, medium, or perspective. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, ensure the 'through' component is clearly defined to provide clarity. Alternatives such as "was comprehended by means of" or "was interpreted via" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was comprehended by means of

Replaces "understood" with "comprehended" and "through" with "by means of", focusing on the method of understanding.

was interpreted via

Substitutes "understood" with "interpreted" and "through" with "via", highlighting a specific interpretation or viewpoint.

was grasped through

Replaces "understood" with "grasped", indicating a firm understanding achieved through a particular medium.

was elucidated by

Changes the focus to the act of clarifying something, rather than simply understanding it, using "elucidated by".

was clarified by means of

Similar to 'elucidated by', this emphasizes the clarification process facilitated by a particular method.

was deciphered using

Implies a process of decoding or uncovering meaning, using "deciphered" and highlighting the tool or method used.

was viewed in light of

Shifts the focus to a perspective or framework through which something is understood.

was perceived through the lens of

Emphasizes the subjective nature of understanding, where a particular "lens" shapes perception.

was made sense of by

A more informal alternative that emphasizes the process of understanding or making sense of something.

was appreciated through

Focuses on understanding leading to a deeper appreciation or recognition of value.

FAQs

How can I use "was understood through" in a sentence?

Use "was understood through" to explain the means by which something was comprehended. For instance, "The complex equation was understood through a series of simplified examples."

What's a more formal alternative to "was understood through"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "was comprehended by means of" or "was elucidated by" to convey understanding in a sophisticated manner.

Is it correct to say "was understood by" instead of "was understood through"?

While grammatically correct, "was understood by" typically refers to the agent or person who understood something. "Was understood through" indicates the method, perspective, or medium that facilitated the understanding.

How does "was interpreted via" differ from "was understood through"?

"Was understood through" implies general comprehension, while "was interpreted via" suggests a specific viewpoint or interpretive lens was applied, potentially leading to a subjective understanding.