I understand of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I understand of" is not correct in written English.
The correct expression is "I understand" without the preposition "of." Example: "I understand the complexities of the situation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"I understand of course that voting from overseas entails complications.

The Guardian

I understand, of course, that like all titles The Guardian is suffering from higher newsprint prices and falling advertising revenue.

Independent

What I understand of it is that all things come back in some sort of cycle that is regenerative.

The New York Times - Magazine

I understand, of course, why a company would buy and absorb competitors with the same business model.

Columbia University

"Prayer should be composed I understand of adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication and I would like to see what I can do with each without an exegesis".

The New Yorker

And I understand, of course, that a still-aborning movement can't be expected to have detailed blueprints and a clear consensus on every policy question immediately.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I understood, of course, that there was no harmony in the real sounds of D-Day.

The New York Times

I understand some of the issues here".

The New York Times - Sports

I understand freedom of speech.

The Washington Post

I understand 3.7percentt of college.

The New York Times

I understand both of you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the phrase "I understand" without the preposition "of". It is the grammatically correct and widely accepted form.

Common error

Do not add "of" after "I understand". The correct usage is "I understand [something]" not "I understand of [something]". Using "of" introduces grammatical incorrectness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I understand of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "I understand", where understand functions as a transitive verb requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this with the advice to omit "of" for correct usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I understand of" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. The correct form is simply "I understand". As Ludwig AI points out, including "of" after "understand" violates standard English grammar rules. Therefore, using alternatives like "I comprehend" or "I grasp" or sticking to the correct "I understand" will ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing and speech. Given its incorrectness, the phrase has no established usage patterns or authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I understand

Omission of 'of' corrects the grammar, making it a standard expression of comprehension.

I comprehend

A more formal synonym for 'I understand', suitable for professional contexts.

I grasp

Indicates a firm understanding or realization of something, often used to denote intellectual understanding.

I perceive

Implies understanding through observation or intuition, often used when understanding is less direct.

I realize

Suggests a sudden understanding or awareness of something.

I am aware

Indicates knowledge or consciousness of a fact or situation.

I appreciate

Conveys understanding along with a sense of gratitude or recognition of its importance.

I get it

An informal way of saying 'I understand', suitable for casual conversations.

I follow

Indicates that one is understanding the speaker's points or argument as it progresses.

I see

A common, informal way to indicate understanding, often used during a conversation.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "I understand"?

The correct way is to say "I understand" without the "of". For example, "I understand the situation" is correct, while "I understand of the situation" is incorrect.

What can I say instead of "I understand"?

You can use alternatives like "I comprehend", "I grasp", or "I perceive" depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to use "understand of" in a sentence?

No, it is not grammatically correct to use "understand of" in a sentence. The correct phrasing is always "I understand".

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

"I understand" is grammatically correct and means that you comprehend something. "I understand of" is grammatically incorrect and should not be used.