widely understood as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widely understood as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a common perception or interpretation of a concept, idea, or term among a large group of people. Example: "The term 'sustainability' is widely understood as the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Greece, as he pointed out, radical reform seems as intractably difficult as it is deeply and widely understood as necessary.

Huffington Post

The move was widely understood as a precursor to a full legal ban.

The New York Times

It was quickly and widely understood as a message song gone wrong.

The New York Times

The party acquired the acronym GOP, widely understood as "Grand Old Party," in the 1870s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Play is widely understood as the preparation for adult life, a juvenile pursuit to be cast off with maturity's arrival.

The Guardian - Tech

The attacks were widely understood as a show of strength in response to the government crackdown on gangs.

The Guardian

It is most widely understood as a US aid package to Colombia which has totaled about $10bn since 2000.

The Guardian

Radiohead's last album, 2003's "Hail to the Thief," was widely understood as a reconciliation of the band's warring instincts.

The New York Times - Arts

Active participation in the election is now widely understood as the most effective way to bring about positive change.

The Guardian

Since thinking, particularly rational thinking, is widely understood as the very touchstone of the human, it's unsurprising that the idea of "thinking computers" encounters considerable resistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is widely understood here that as long as the murder is at least apparently drug-related, the crime will not be investigated or at least not aggressively so.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widely understood as" when you want to emphasize a commonly held belief or interpretation, especially when introducing a definition or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "widely understood as" if the concept is actually debated or not universally accepted. Ensure that the understanding is genuinely widespread and not just your personal opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widely understood as" functions as a qualifier or introducer of a generally accepted definition or concept. It signals that the following statement is not just an individual opinion but a common interpretation, as exemplified in the Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "widely understood as" serves as a crucial linguistic tool for conveying shared knowledge and establishing common ground. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. Its prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability in formal writing. While interchangeable with alternatives such as "generally accepted as", it distinctly emphasizes the breadth of understanding surrounding a concept. When using this phrase, ensure that the referenced understanding is genuinely widespread to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally accepted as

Indicates a broad consensus or agreement, emphasizing acceptance rather than just understanding.

commonly known as

Focuses on the familiarity and recognition of something by a large number of people.

largely regarded as

Highlights the prevalent opinion or assessment of something among a significant portion of people.

broadly recognized as

Stresses the widespread acknowledgment and awareness of something.

universally acknowledged as

Implies that nearly everyone agrees or recognizes something, suggesting very little dissent.

taken for granted as

Suggests something is so widely accepted that it's assumed without question.

considered to be

States that something is thought to be a certain way, though it may not be universally understood.

perceived as

Focuses on the way something is viewed or interpreted, which may not necessarily be factual.

seen as

Similar to "perceived as", emphasizing the way something is viewed or interpreted by others.

believed to be

Highlights the belief or conviction that something is a certain way, regardless of concrete evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "widely understood as" to introduce a common definition or interpretation. For example, "The term 'sustainability' is "widely understood as" the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs."

What phrases can I use instead of "widely understood as"?

Alternatives include "generally accepted as", "commonly known as", or "largely regarded as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "commonly understood as" instead of "widely understood as"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "widely understood as" emphasizes a broader acceptance or recognition. "Commonly understood as" can suggest a more general, though potentially less pervasive, understanding.

What is the difference between "widely understood as" and "believed to be"?

"Widely understood as" suggests a common interpretation or definition that is generally accepted as accurate. "Believed to be" indicates a conviction or opinion, which may or may not be based on factual evidence or widespread agreement.