I didn't completely understand

USAGE SUMMARY

"I didn't completely understand" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You might use it if you are trying to politely express that you don't understand something but have some level of understanding. For example, you might say, "I didn't completely understand what you were saying about the new policy, could you explain it again?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I didn't completely understand what I was being asked," he said.

The New York Times

After a few moments of panting, he gave my mother a wink, a gesture I didn't completely understand, and then he disappeared back where he'd come from.

The New Yorker

When the day of the interview arrived, I did an excellent introduction, but I didn't completely understand all of the questions.

Science Magazine

But I was suffering under the weight of "perfection" in a way that even I didn't completely understand.

Huffington Post

Shen up now to get the best of VICE Canadiddelivered straight to your in'tx.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Girardi said: "I don't completely understand what he was doing lifting.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't completely understand Garry, but he has huge reserves of energy and talent," Ludmila Alexeeva, a sixties-era dissident and a leader of the Moscow Helsinki Group, a predominant human-rights organization, said.

The New Yorker

"As a non-American, I don't completely understand it, but there is a phenomenon in the U.S., the latest and the greatest," said Dr. Henrik Malchau, who practiced as an orthopedic surgeon in Sweden before going to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The New York Times - Health

I don't completely understand this fascination with in-ear headphones.

TechCrunch

I don't completely understand it, but horses seem to be the key.

Huffington Post

Them: "Why do you act like that?" Me: "I don't completely understand -- act like what?" Them: "Like a girl!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I didn't completely understand" to politely express a lack of full understanding, encouraging further clarification. It acknowledges some level of comprehension while seeking more information.

Common error

Avoid using "I didn't completely understand" when you understood nothing at all. In such cases, "I didn't understand" or "I didn't get it" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I didn't completely understand" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of full comprehension. Ludwig examples show it used to politely indicate needing further clarification. It acknowledges a partial understanding while seeking more complete information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I didn't completely understand" is a polite way to express partial comprehension and a need for further clarification. Ludwig indicates this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news media. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for more formal or informal settings with alternatives like "I didn't fully grasp" or "I didn't quite get". When using this phrase, it's crucial to follow up with specific questions to guide the speaker and facilitate a more complete understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I didn't fully grasp

Emphasizes a lack of complete understanding, focusing on comprehension.

I didn't entirely comprehend

Highlights a partial understanding, suggesting some elements were grasped.

I didn't quite get

Offers a more casual way to express a lack of full understanding.

I failed to fully understand

Focuses on the failure to achieve complete comprehension.

My understanding was incomplete

States directly that the understanding was not whole or finished.

I had a partial understanding

Highlights the presence of some understanding mixed with confusion.

I only partially understood

Emphasizes that only a portion was understood, implying a larger part was missed.

I lacked complete comprehension

Uses more formal language to state the absence of full understanding.

I wasn't entirely clear on

Suggests a lack of clarity rather than complete lack of understanding.

My perception was not complete

Focuses on the incompleteness of the perception or awareness of something.

FAQs

What does "I didn't completely understand" mean?

The phrase "I didn't completely understand" indicates that you grasped some aspects of something but not all of it. It suggests partial comprehension and implies a need for further explanation.

How can I ask for clarification after saying "I didn't completely understand"?

You can follow up with specific questions like, "Could you elaborate on...?" or "I understood X, but I'm unclear about Y." Being specific helps the speaker focus their explanation.

Which is more polite, "I didn't understand" or "I didn't completely understand"?

"I didn't completely understand" is generally more polite as it acknowledges some level of comprehension. "I didn't understand" might sound like you weren't paying attention or that the explanation was entirely unclear. You can also use alternatives like "I didn't fully understand".

What are some alternatives to "I didn't completely understand"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "I didn't fully grasp", "I didn't entirely comprehend", or "I didn't quite get". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.