Please understand

USAGE SUMMARY

'Please understand' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when you are asking someone to show empathy or sympathy for a situation. For example, "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the dinner. Please understand that I'm just really busy right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Please understand.

The New York Times

"Please understand," she said.

The New York Times

Please understand Japanese culture".

The Guardian - Music

Please understand this.

The Guardian

"Please understand the context.

The New Yorker

Please understand, it's not intentional.

The New York Times

Please understand that your blogs have not been deleted.

Independent

Please understand: you trim and straighten but you do not make it up.

The New Yorker

Please understand that the waiter is following the directions of the restaurateur or the manager.

The New York Times - Food

"Please understand the context of this," he told the Guardian after the scandal broke.

The Guardian

Please understand us.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Please understand", clearly state the reason why understanding is needed to ensure the listener grasps the full context and can respond appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "Please understand" without providing sufficient context. Listeners may not grasp the situation without enough information, leading to misinterpretations or frustration. Always provide clear explanations to facilitate true understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please understand" functions primarily as an imperative, directly urging the listener to comprehend or empathize with a situation or perspective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase seeks to foster empathy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Please understand" is a commonly used imperative phrase intended to solicit empathy, comprehension, or agreement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it adapts across registers though its directness requires careful contextual consideration. Alternatives such as "I hope you can appreciate" offer similar communicative functions. When employing this phrase, ensure sufficient context is provided to foster genuine understanding and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope you can appreciate

Emphasizes appreciation of the situation rather than direct understanding.

I ask for your empathy

Directly requests empathetic consideration.

Consider my perspective

Focuses on the listener taking into account the speaker's viewpoint.

I need you to realize

Highlights the speaker's need for the listener to become aware.

It's important to recognize

Stresses the significance of acknowledging a particular fact or situation.

I want you to grasp

Focuses on achieving a full comprehension.

I'm asking for your consideration

Requests thoughtful evaluation.

I trust you'll comprehend

Expresses confidence in the listener's ability to understand.

I'm hoping you'll see my side

Requests the listener to understand the speaker's viewpoint or position.

Bear in mind

Implies to remember or consider something.

FAQs

How can I use "Please understand" effectively in a sentence?

To use "Please understand" effectively, follow it with a clear explanation of what you want the other person to comprehend. For example, "Please understand, "I'm not trying to be difficult", I just need more information".

What are some alternatives to saying "Please understand"?

Alternatives to "Please understand" include phrases like "I hope you can appreciate", "consider my perspective", or "it's important to recognize", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to start a sentence with "Please understand"?

While starting a sentence with "Please understand" can be effective, consider the tone it sets. In some situations, it might sound demanding. Ensure the context and your relationship with the listener warrant this directness. If the tone is too strong, prefer alternatives like "I hope you can appreciate".

What's the difference between "Please understand" and "Do you understand"?

"Please understand" is a request for empathy or comprehension, while "Do you understand" is a question asking if the listener has comprehended the information. The first seeks understanding, the second seeks confirmation.