although we understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although we understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or concession in a statement, often indicating that despite understanding a situation, there may be a differing opinion or action. Example: "Although we understand the challenges you are facing, we still believe that the project should proceed as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"But although we understand them, they can't understand us.

The New York Times

And although we understand that he's the brains behind the show, we don't like him hanging around.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Although we understand Schroders' desire for continuity, this should not come at the expense of board independence," said Parry.

The Guardian - Business

Although we understand their frustration, we are bound by this commitment and must continue to honor it".

The New York Times

We hope that you enjoy your meal, although we understand that you probably won't, because enjoying things is inexplicably difficult for you.

The New Yorker

Truth's film-makers have responded: "Although we understand CBS wants to put this episode behind them, it's disappointing that they seem to be so concerned about our film.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

NS&I couldn't cope initially, although we understood that those problems were long since passed.

The Guardian - Money

Although we understood immediately what was going on and how the illusions were generated, those demonstrations were very impressive.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Although we understood that the girl was depicted in her own choice of dress we considered that, in choosing that image for use in a poster, Channel 4 had acted irresponsibly by depicting a child in a sexualised way," said the ASA.

The Guardian

Although we understood that ethical issues are usually dealt with using multi-step approach [ 11], we were interested in their main action for dealing with the issues.

BMC Medical Ethics

Although accurate, we understand that this may be misleading for those looking to invest in a conventional franchise agreement.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although we understand" to introduce a contrasting point or concession, ensuring a smooth transition and acknowledging differing perspectives or complexities.

Common error

Avoid using "although we understand" as a mere introductory phrase without a clear contrasting point. Ensure that the following clause presents a genuine contrast or qualification to the understanding stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although we understand" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It introduces a clause that acknowledges a certain understanding or awareness before presenting a contrasting or qualifying statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid construction used to introduce a nuance or exception to a primary idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although we understand" is a versatile phrase used to acknowledge an understanding or awareness before introducing a contrasting or qualifying statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and highly common, primarily appearing in News & Media, Science and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you follow it with a clear contrasting point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "even though we comprehend" or "despite our understanding" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in tone. This construction serves to introduce a nuance, empathize and present reasoned arguments across a range of communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though we comprehend

Replaces "understand" with a more formal synonym, 'comprehend', and "although" with "even though" to emphasizes the contrast.

despite our understanding

Uses a prepositional phrase to convey the same meaning, focusing on the existing knowledge as a backdrop to a differing action or opinion.

in spite of our knowledge

Similar to 'despite our understanding' but uses 'knowledge' instead of 'understanding' to refer to the same concept.

notwithstanding our awareness

A more formal alternative using 'notwithstanding' and 'awareness' to indicate acknowledgement of a fact before presenting a contrasting point.

while acknowledging our grasp

Uses 'while acknowledging' to introduce the concession, with 'grasp' implying a level of comprehension.

though we recognize

A more concise alternative using "though" and "recognize" to convey understanding or acknowledgment.

even if we know

Similar in meaning but introduces a hypothetical element, suggesting that the understanding might not be complete or certain.

granted that we appreciate

Uses 'granted that' to concede a point, followed by 'appreciate' to show a level of understanding or value.

admitting our awareness

Uses 'admitting' to acknowledge a fact or situation, with 'awareness' emphasizing the state of being conscious of something.

with the understanding that

Shifts the focus to a mutual agreement or condition, rather than a personal acknowledgement.

FAQs

How can I use "although we understand" in a sentence?

Use "although we understand" to introduce a contrasting point or concession. For example, "Although we understand the concerns, we believe the benefits outweigh the risks."

What are some alternatives to "although we understand"?

Alternatives include "even though we comprehend", "despite our understanding", or "though we recognize", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it always necessary to follow "although we understand" with a contrasting statement?

Yes, the phrase "although we understand" implies a contrast or concession. Omitting the contrasting statement makes the sentence incomplete and illogical.

What's the difference between "although we understand" and "because we understand"?

"Although we understand" introduces a contrast, while "because we understand" introduces a reason. "Although we understand the risks, we proceed" implies proceeding despite the risks. "Because we understand the risks, we proceed cautiously" implies proceeding due to our understanding.