widely understood

USAGE SUMMARY

"widely understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is commonly known or accepted by a large number of people. Example: It is widely understood that regular exercise and a healthy diet are important for maintaining good physical health.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

English is widely understood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not widely understood by patients.

Independent

That is widely understood and recognised.

The Guardian

"It is perhaps not widely understood".

The Guardian

As a musician, she still isn't widely understood.

The New York Times - Arts

The DVD is now more popular and widely understood.

The New York Times

This is widely understood, but not acted upon nearly enough.

The Guardian

"This is not a secret; it is widely understood.

The New York Times

"That is quite widely understood amongst European governments.

The Guardian

That wasn't widely understood then – and certainly not now.

The Guardian - Opinion

The need for close relations with Russia is widely understood.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely understood" when you want to convey that a concept or idea is generally known and accepted by a broad audience. It implies a level of common knowledge and agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "widely understood" as a substitute for empirical evidence or detailed explanation. While it suggests common knowledge, it doesn't replace the need for providing specific information or references, especially in academic or scientific writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely understood" functions as an adjective modifying a noun or clause. It indicates that the subject is generally known and comprehended by a large number of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widely understood" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is generally known and comprehended. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. With a very common frequency, it appears most often in news and media contexts. While it can be used in various settings, it's important to avoid overusing it as a substitute for empirical evidence, especially in formal writing. Alternatives include "commonly known" or "generally accepted", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly known

Focuses on the state of being known by many, rather than the level of comprehension.

widely accepted

Highlights agreement or endorsement by a large group, not necessarily understanding.

generally accepted

Emphasizes agreement or endorsement by a large group, not necessarily understanding.

commonly accepted

Focuses on general agreement rather than the degree of understanding.

universally acknowledged

Highlights broad recognition, possibly without deep comprehension.

generally known

Emphasizes the state of being known rather than the depth of understanding.

well-recognized

Stresses the aspect of being identified or noticed by many people.

broadly recognized

Indicates wide awareness rather than a thorough understanding.

publicly known

Focuses on open access to information, without implying comprehension.

plainly evident

Highlights clarity and obviousness, shifting focus from understanding to visibility.

FAQs

How can I use "widely understood" in a sentence?

You can use "widely understood" to indicate that a concept is generally known and accepted. For example, "It is "widely understood" that regular exercise is beneficial for health."

What are some alternatives to "widely understood"?

Alternatives include "commonly known", "generally accepted", or "universally acknowledged", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "widely understood" in academic writing?

While "widely understood" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in academic writing. Always support your claims with evidence and specific references, rather than relying solely on the assumption of common knowledge. Use more formal words or phrases like "well established" or "generally accepted" in the field.

What's the difference between "widely understood" and "commonly known"?

"Widely understood" implies that a concept is not only known but also comprehended by many. "Commonly known", on the other hand, simply means that something is generally known, without necessarily implying deep understanding.