we are understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are understood" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you and another person have exchanged ideas and you both agree with each other. For example, "After discussing the issue, we are understood in our agreement".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"After 9/11, the question of how well we are understood overseas was thrown into high relief," an official in the International Information Programs office at the State Department said last week.

The New Yorker

We are strengthened by knowing that we are understood.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The "We" was understood to mean "We Women", uniting all women in a sisterhood fighting against gender inequality.

Wikipedia

We each communicate in English because we think we'll be understood that way given everyone else communicates that way, and we want to be understood.

SEP

In order to communicate, we must be understood.

Yale University

If we want to be understood, we need to understand.

HuffPost

Maybe we'll even be understood.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We want to be understood.

HuffPost

We want to be understood". You betcha.

HuffPost

We would like to be understood.

The New York Times

We just want to be understood.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are understood" to convey a sense of mutual agreement or comprehension after a discussion or explanation. It suggests that the message has been successfully communicated and accepted.

Common error

Avoid using "we are understood" when you intend to express understanding of something. Instead, use "we understand" to show active comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are understood" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating a state of being comprehended by others. Ludwig AI confirms this based on numerous examples where the phrase conveys successful communication and mutual agreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are understood" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey that a message has been successfully communicated and comprehended. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase often confirms agreement or mutual comprehension after a discussion. It finds frequent use in news media, academic writing, and scientific reports. Although "we are understood" is broadly applicable, alternative phrases like "we are comprehended" may be preferred in more formal or technical contexts. The key is to use "we are understood" to indicate others' understanding of us, not our understanding of something else.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are comprehended

A more formal synonym emphasizing thorough understanding.

we are appreciated

Focuses on being valued and recognized for one's qualities or efforts.

we are validated

Highlights the feeling of having one's thoughts or feelings confirmed as legitimate.

we are recognized

Emphasizes acknowledgment and awareness of one's presence or contributions.

we are acknowledged

Similar to recognized, but with a focus on formal acceptance or admission.

we are known

Indicates familiarity and awareness of one's character or identity.

we are heard

Emphasizes that one's voice or opinions are being listened to and considered.

we make sense

Implies that one's ideas or actions are logical and comprehensible.

our position is clear

Focuses on the clarity and understandability of one's stance or viewpoint.

we see eye to eye

Indicates a shared understanding and agreement on a particular issue.

FAQs

How can I use "we are understood" in a sentence?

Use "we are understood" to express that your message or position has been successfully conveyed and comprehended by others. For example: "After the presentation, /s/we+are+understood and confident that our proposal will be accepted."

What is a more formal alternative to "we are understood"?

A more formal alternative would be "we are comprehended", which emphasizes a thorough and complete understanding.

Is "we are understood" the same as "we understand"?

No, "we are understood" implies that others understand us, while "we understand" means that we comprehend something. The phrases have opposite meanings and different grammatical structures.

What does it mean when someone says "we are on the same page" instead of saying "we are understood"?

Saying "we are on the same page" is similar to saying "we see eye to eye" or "we are validated". It means that you share a similar understanding or perspective on a particular matter. It is an idiom often used to confirm mutual comprehension.