be understanding but unyielding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be understanding but unyielding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to show empathy or compassion while also maintaining firm boundaries or principles. Example: "In negotiations, it's important to be understanding but unyielding to ensure that your needs are met without compromising your values."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be understanding but nonchalant when they return.

WikiHow

But always be understanding.

WikiHow

But here we should be understanding.

The New York Times

Be understanding.

WikiHow

She is utterly victimized, but unyielding.

The Guardian

He emphasized the need to be respectful but unyielding in our demands for balanced reform.

Huffington Post

Those are the rules, unwritten but unyielding.

The New York Times

He is gentle but unyielding on the religious question.

The New Yorker

Like Baghdad, like Sarajevo, the capital is improbable but unyielding glue.

The New York Times

But employees found that Kapoor could be aggressive and unyielding.

The New York Times - Magazine

His musical lines could be a metallic alloy as well — light but unyielding.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you need to convey the importance of showing understanding towards others while still maintaining your principles or boundaries. It's particularly useful in negotiations, conflict resolution, or leadership scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase in situations where either understanding or unyielding stance is inappropriate. Ensure a genuine balance; avoid using it as a justification for inflexibility or, conversely, for compromising too much.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be understanding but unyielding" functions as a directive or recommendation. It advises a specific approach to interactions, advocating for a balance between empathy and firmness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in English, offering guidance on navigating complex social dynamics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be understanding but unyielding" is a grammatically sound phrase that advocates for a balanced approach of empathy and firmness in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not extremely common, it appears across diverse contexts like news, wikis, and business. The phrase suggests active listening coupled with a steadfast adherence to principles, making it a useful strategy in negotiations and interpersonal interactions. Remember to maintain a genuine balance between understanding and firmness to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be compassionate yet firm

Emphasizes compassion more explicitly while maintaining resolve.

show empathy while standing your ground

Highlights the act of demonstrating empathy alongside maintaining one's position.

be receptive but resolute

Focuses on receptiveness to others' views while remaining determined.

understand their perspective but hold firm

Specifically mentions understanding another's point of view before maintaining a firm stance.

be considerate but unwavering

Uses "considerate" to express kindness and "unwavering" to denote steadfastness.

acknowledge their feelings but stay strong

Highlights the recognition of emotions and the maintenance of strength.

be gentle but steadfast

Uses "gentle" to convey a softer approach and "steadfast" for unwavering commitment.

listen with empathy but remain decisive

Emphasizes active listening with empathy followed by decisive action.

be flexible where possible but inflexible when necessary

Focuses on adaptability with necessary limits. Highlights when flexibility is acceptable and when it is not.

approach with kindness but stand firm on principles

Highlights using kindness as the initial approach while preserving core principles.

FAQs

How can I effectively "be understanding but unyielding" in a negotiation?

Start by actively listening to the other party's concerns and acknowledging their perspective. Then, clearly state your own position and the non-negotiable aspects, explaining the rationale behind them. This shows respect while maintaining your ground.

What's the difference between "be understanding but unyielding" and simply being stubborn?

"Be understanding but unyielding" involves actively listening and acknowledging the other person's perspective before firmly stating your own position. Stubbornness, on the other hand, often involves dismissing or ignoring the other person's viewpoint entirely.

In what situations is it inappropriate to "be understanding but unyielding"?

This approach may be unsuitable when dealing with matters of safety, ethics, or legality where there is no room for compromise. It is also inappropriate when the other party is being abusive or manipulative.

Are there alternative phrases to "be understanding but unyielding" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "be compassionate yet firm", "show empathy while standing your ground", or "be receptive but resolute" depending on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.