be understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to show empathy or compassion towards another person's situation or feelings. Example: "In difficult times, it's important to be understanding of others' struggles and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But here we should be understanding.

The New York Times

They are meant to be understanding.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nobody seemed to be understanding Mahler's irony.

The New York Times - Arts

"There must be understanding, brotherhood and harmony".

The New York Times

The majority of people you meet will be understanding".

The Guardian

But that wouldn't be understanding how literature works.

The New Yorker

And so he is inclined to be understanding.

The New York Times

Another, particularly in a recession, is to be understanding.

The New York Times

I pictured a baby-faced policeman — would he be understanding?

The New Yorker

I pictured a baby-faced policeman would he be understanding?

The New Yorker

A. Just be nice, be flexible, be understanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "be understanding" to encourage empathy and patience towards others' situations, fostering better communication and relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "be understanding" as a justification for accepting harmful behaviors or excusing inexcusable actions. Understanding should lead to informed responses, not necessarily acceptance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be understanding" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a state of empathy and comprehension. Ludwig AI shows many examples in which the phrase is used to encourage a sympathetic approach to others' feelings or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

38%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be understanding" is a common and grammatically correct imperative phrase used to encourage empathy, patience, and consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, media, and general advice contexts, promoting better communication and relationships. While versatile, it's important to avoid misinterpreting "understanding" as excusing harmful behaviors. Alternatives such as "show compassion" or "display empathy" can provide nuanced options depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show compassion

Focuses on the emotional aspect of understanding someone's feelings.

display empathy

Similar to "show compassion" but emphasizes emotional identification with others.

be considerate

Highlights the importance of taking others' needs and feelings into account.

exercise tolerance

Highlights the importance of accepting differing views or behaviors.

be supportive

Emphasizes offering encouragement and help.

have patience

Emphasizes the need for forbearance and calm acceptance.

be forgiving

Highlights the importance of letting go of resentment and offering reconciliation.

lend a sympathetic ear

Focuses on active listening and offering support.

make allowances

Implies accepting imperfections or shortcomings.

take into account

Focuses on factoring in circumstances before judging or reacting.

FAQs

How can I use "be understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "be understanding" to encourage someone to show empathy. For example, "Please "be understanding" of their situation; they are going through a difficult time."

What are some alternatives to "be understanding"?

Alternatives include "show compassion", "display empathy", or "be considerate", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "be understanding" in a relationship?

In a relationship, to "be understanding" means to "be patient", "be supportive", and show empathy towards your partner's feelings and experiences, even when you don't necessarily agree.

Is "be understanding" the same as "being permissive"?

No, "be understanding" is not the same as "being permissive." Being understanding involves empathy and consideration, while being permissive implies allowing or condoning something without proper boundaries. Understanding doesn't mean you have to excuse or agree with everything.