which are understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which are understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to concepts, terms, or ideas that are recognized or comprehended by a particular audience or group. Example: "The theories presented in the lecture are complex, but they are based on principles which are understood by most students in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Clarke said his sentencing proposals, which are understood to have been delayed until next month, would apply to "every crime".

The Guardian

But the plans, which are understood to be at an advanced stage, are causing alarm among backbenchers.

Independent

At my insistence he also planted a pair of mapou trees, which are understood to attract spirits.

The New York Times

That has interested banks, which are understood to be expressing interest in using the same service to verify customer identities through an arms-length verification system.

The Guardian - Tech

I was studying quasars, some of the most distant known objects in the universe, which are understood to be the bright centers of galaxies containing supermassive black holes.

The New York Times

The DSM defines dissociation as "a disturbance or alteration in the normally integrative functions of identity, memory, or consciousness" — all of which are understood as "psychological phenomena".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"There isn't a domain of conversation in culture which is understood by IBM or anybody else.

The Guardian - Tech

He was chosen for this job because he writes & speaks the classic Arabic, which is understood by all his race.

The New Yorker

Plus it violated the German enlightenment's ideal of freedom, which was understood as deriving from the rule of law.

The Guardian - Opinion

We proclaim a new doctrine of pre-emption which is understood by few and feared by many.

The Guardian

Journalists and press freedom campaigners criticised the seizure of the laptop, which is understood to have taken place earlier this year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which are understood" when referring to established concepts or information generally known within a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "which are understood" when introducing highly technical or field-specific terminology to a general audience; instead, provide a brief explanation or definition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which are understood" functions as a nonrestrictive relative clause, providing additional, non-essential information about a noun or noun phrase. This is supported by Ludwig, where it is frequently used to add context or clarification to a previously mentioned subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which are understood" serves as a versatile tool for adding extra information about something that's considered common knowledge. As shown in the examples Ludwig AI provided, it appears frequently in news and scientific writing. It's grammatically correct and helpful for avoiding unnecessary explanations. Remember to use it when the additional information isn't essential to the core meaning of your sentence and the concepts you're describing are broadly accepted within your target audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that are comprehended

Emphasizes mental grasping or assimilation of knowledge.

that are grasped

Similar to comprehended, but implies a more immediate or intuitive understanding.

that are recognized

Focuses on the act of identifying or acknowledging something already known.

that are acknowledged

Emphasizes formal recognition or admission of understanding.

that are known

Highlights the state of being familiar or having awareness of something.

that are perceived

Highlights understanding through sensory input or intuition.

that are appreciated

Suggests a deeper level of understanding, including valuing or cherishing.

that are internalised

Focuses on understanding which has been integrated into one's own beliefs or values.

that are accepted

Indicates agreement or belief in something after understanding it.

that are realised

Suggests an understanding that comes after a period of not knowing or a sudden understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "which are understood" to refer to concepts or facts that are generally accepted or known within a specific context. For example, "The basic principles of economics, "which are understood" by most economists, were outlined in the report".

What are some alternatives to "which are understood"?

Alternatives include "that are known", "that are recognized", or "that are comprehended", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "which are understood"?

It's best to use "which are understood" when referring to knowledge that is common or assumed to be held by your audience, avoiding unnecessary explanation of basic concepts.

Is there a difference between "that are understood" and "which are understood"?

While both are grammatically correct, "which" introduces a nonrestrictive clause providing additional information, while "that" introduces a restrictive clause essential to the sentence's meaning. Use "which" when the information is supplementary and the sentence still makes sense without it.