Please try to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please try to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to make an effort to comprehend a situation or perspective. Example: "I know this is a difficult topic, but please try to understand my point of view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Please try to understand," he said.

The New York Times

Please try to understand, Sam, after what Charles Wang and C.A. have done for me, I simply will not act otherwise".

The New York Times

Please try to understand that this is an informal meetup not a conference.

TechCrunch

Please try to understand my point of view.

Huffington Post

"I've been driving this cab for only one and one-half weeks, but please try to understand.

The New York Times

If you communicate your concerns, I am both capable and happy to help find a solution, but please try to understand what is and isn't within a server's control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Please try to forgive me.

The New York Times

So please try to be more original".

The New York Times

Please try to get some rest".

The New York Times

"Tell Sam, 'Please, please, please try to stop me,'" Baen said.

The New Yorker

Please try to keep Jay Cutler alive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Please try to understand" when you need to convey the importance of grasping a concept or situation, especially when there's a potential for disagreement or misunderstanding. It encourages empathy and open-mindedness.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "Please try to understand" can come across as condescending or imply the listener is incapable of understanding. Vary your phrasing with alternatives like "I hope you can see my point" or "Consider this perspective".

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "Please try to understand" is to issue a polite imperative, requesting the listener to make an effort to comprehend a situation, viewpoint, or feeling. This aligns with the examples Ludwig provides, where the phrase is used in varied scenarios requiring empathy or consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please try to understand" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, employed to politely request comprehension or empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While considered of Uncommon frequency, it appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, consider the potential for overuse, and ensure genuine openness to the other party's perspective. Alternatives such as "I hope you understand" or "Consider my perspective" can provide nuanced variations. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of scenarios requiring clear communication and mutual understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope you understand

This is a more gentle and less direct way of asking for understanding.

Can you understand?

This phrasing turns the request into a question, seeking confirmation of comprehension.

I need you to understand

This version emphasizes the speaker's need for the listener to understand, adding urgency.

It's important that you understand

This highlights the importance of understanding, rather than directly requesting it.

Please be understanding

This shifts the focus to asking for an attitude of understanding, rather than comprehension of a specific point.

I ask for your understanding

This is a more formal and polite way to request understanding.

Put yourself in my shoes

This encourages empathy as a means to understanding.

See where I'm coming from

This asks the listener to recognize the speaker's perspective.

Consider my perspective

This directs the listener to think about the speaker's point of view.

Take my point of view into account

This is a more formal way of asking someone to consider another's perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "Please try to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "Please try to understand" to politely request someone to consider your perspective or a difficult situation. For instance: "I know this is sudden, but "please try to understand" my decision."

What can I say instead of "Please try to understand"?

Alternatives include "I hope you understand", "can you understand", or "it's important that you understand", depending on the context and your desired tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "Please try to understand"?

Avoid using "Please try to understand" when you are unwilling to listen to the other person's point of view or when you are being dismissive of their feelings. It can sound condescending if not used genuinely.

Is "Please try to understand" too demanding?

While direct, "Please try to understand" is generally polite. If you're concerned about being too forceful, consider softening the request with phrases like "I ask for your understanding" or framing it as a question: "Can you understand where I'm coming from?"