I quite understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I quite understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that you fully comprehend or grasp a situation or statement made by someone else. Example: "After listening to your explanation, I quite understand the challenges you are facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I don't think CNET reporters are bad people for not quitting, and I quite understand that some of them may not be in any kind of financial position to even consider it.

TechCrunch

Purely for research purposes, I quite understand.

Independent

But now I quite understand it.

The New Yorker

He said: "I quite understand, Anthony.

The New York Times - Arts

Candice Breitz, artist I'm not sure that I quite understand!

The Guardian - Film

But I quite understand that others can't stand him.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

And I quite understood why the "Pride and Prejudice" video, released midway through the run, sold out in two hours.

The New Yorker

I quite understood the Spanish couple who had tethered their skipping kids to their waists by lengths of rope.

The Guardian - Travel

"Doctor, I am not sure I quite understood you, but please give me this drug".

British Medical Journal

"I can quite understand that people would be outraged by the idea," she said.

The Guardian - Books

I can quite understand why you'd want to bet against him.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I quite understand" when you want to convey that you not only hear but also genuinely comprehend the speaker's perspective or situation. It adds a touch of empathy.

Common error

Avoid repeating "I quite understand" multiple times in a conversation. It can sound insincere or even condescending. Vary your responses with phrases like "I see", "I get it", or "That makes sense".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I quite understand" functions as a performative utterance, confirming comprehension and acknowledgement of the speaker's statement or situation. It goes beyond simple acknowledgment, suggesting a more emphatic understanding, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Books

24%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I quite understand" is a versatile phrase used to express comprehension and empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across a range of contexts, particularly in news media and literature. While relatively neutral in formality, it adds a degree of emphasis compared to simpler alternatives. To avoid overuse, consider varying your responses with semantically similar phrases like "I fully understand" or "I get your point". Ultimately, the phrase is a valuable tool for conveying genuine understanding and fostering connection in both professional and personal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I completely understand

Emphasizes the totality of comprehension.

I fully understand

Similar to completely, stressing thorough understanding.

I perfectly understand

Highlights the flawlessness of understanding.

I truly understand

Adds a sense of sincerity to the comprehension.

I really understand

Expresses a genuine and heartfelt understanding.

I definitely understand

Highlights the certainty of comprehension.

I totally understand

Uses a more informal tone to express complete understanding.

I grasp the situation

Focuses more on understanding the circumstances.

I get your point

More direct and conversational way of expressing comprehension.

I see what you mean

Indicates understanding of the intended meaning or perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "I quite understand" in a sentence?

You can use "I quite understand" to show that you comprehend someone's explanation or situation. For example, "After hearing about your challenges, I quite understand why you're feeling stressed."

What are some alternatives to "I quite understand"?

You can use alternatives like "I fully understand", "I completely understand", or "I get your point" depending on the context.

Is "I quite understand" formal or informal?

"I quite understand" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most professional and polite conversations, but may sound a bit stiff in very casual settings.

What's the difference between "I understand" and "I quite understand"?

"I quite understand" adds a degree of emphasis and sincerity compared to the simple "I understand". It suggests a more thorough and empathetic comprehension.