which is understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or specify something that is commonly accepted or recognized without needing further explanation. Example: "The term 'sustainability' refers to practices that promote environmental health, which is understood to be essential for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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

The Guardian

Use lime formulations with an elevated pH, such as Hempcrete, which is understood to inhibit biological degradation.

The Guardian

This exhibition is not revolutionary in its interpretation of the war, which  is understood by many scholars in similar terms.

The New York Times - Arts

Wallace, who has edited the Mirror since 2004, rejected an offer which is understood to have come from the New York Daily News owner, Mort Zuckerman.

The Guardian

He says the college, which is understood to be considering applying for university status, would gain "absolutely nothing" by pushing ahead with its original plans.

The Guardian

Taken together, these cases fall under the legal term "universal jurisdiction," which is understood to cover the worst of offenses, which rise to the level of international crimes.

The New York Times

But the BBC is not an arm of the Orwellian state; it is a public corporation committed to fairness and objectivity which is understood worldwide.

The Guardian

The BBC condemned the decision, which is understood to have been applied to other foreign news broadcasters airing "anti-Pakistan" content as well.

The Guardian

The suffering most often deemed worthy of representation is that which is understood to be the product of wrath, divine or human.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "which is understood" with a more concise alternative like "as is known" or "obviously" if the understanding is truly universal and requires no further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "which is understood" too frequently in formal or academic writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for stronger verbs or more specific descriptions to convey understanding more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is understood" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information about a noun or concept. It indicates that something is known or comprehended by a certain group or within a particular context. Ludwig shows many examples where it clarifies the extent of knowledge about a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is understood" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to indicate shared knowledge or common understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most often in news and scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider more concise or formal alternatives when appropriate. Pay attention to the audience of the subject to ensure that the context clearly indicates who is doing the understanding. In short, think of "which is understood" as a useful tool to indicate common ground, but use it wisely to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is known

Replaces 'understood' with 'known', emphasizing widespread awareness.

that is comprehended

Substitutes 'understood' with 'comprehended', focusing on intellectual grasp.

which is recognized

Changes 'understood' to 'recognized', highlighting acknowledgement or acceptance.

that is generally accepted

Replaces the entire phrase with a longer but more explicit expression of common agreement.

which is acknowledged

Similar to 'recognized', but can imply a more formal or official acceptance.

that is common knowledge

Replaces the phrase with a direct statement of information being widely known.

which is well-established

Emphasizes that something is not just understood, but firmly and securely known.

that is clear

Replaces the original phrase with a shorter statement of the subject being unambiguous.

as is known

Shortened version highlighting the knowledge itself.

as is appreciated

Shifts the focus towards the appreciation of something, as opposed to understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "which is understood" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "which is recognized", "which is acknowledged", or "which is well-established" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these alternatives, like "which is recognized", implies a degree of formal acceptance or agreement.

What are some concise alternatives to "which is understood"?

For brevity, you can use phrases like "as is known", "obviously", or simply omit the phrase if the understanding is already clear from the context. Using "as is known" can be a good replacement in several contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "which is understood" in writing?

"Which is understood" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a concept or idea is generally accepted or comprehended by a particular audience. However, be mindful of potential ambiguity and ensure the context clearly indicates who is doing the understanding.

Is "that is understood" grammatically different from "which is understood"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "which is understood" is typically used in nonrestrictive clauses (adding extra information), while "that is understood" can be used in restrictive clauses (essential to the meaning of the sentence). The choice depends on whether the information is essential or additional.