be understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging empathy or compassion towards someone's situation or feelings. Example: "During difficult times, it's important to be understanding of others and their struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"If Jos gets the nod we need to be understanding of that.

The Guardian - Sport

"There has to be understanding of how to bring about meaningful change in the lives of real people".

The New York Times

Foreign investors and financial institutions must provide the new government with some breathing room and be understanding of Mr. da Silva's political balancing act.

The New York Times

Trying to be understanding of the fact that English wasn't his first language, I attempted to explain but, at 1am, didn't feel I was making much headway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

General Pershing ordered his men to be understanding of other religions — his success depended, in part, on not committing war crimes.

The New Yorker

In general, project backers seem to be understanding of hiccups and willing to wait as long as they are kept informed.

The New York Times - Tech

"One of the things they can do is to be understanding of the people in their department who have been called up, and share the load until they can get back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In negotiations, they are understanding of quirks.

The Economist

They are understanding of his four marriages.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm understanding of the need for corporate sponsorship.

The Guardian - Arts

"I think he was understanding of his misactions".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be understanding of", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom you are being understanding of. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be understanding of" as a substitute for taking concrete actions to support someone. While understanding is important, it should often be accompanied by tangible assistance or solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be understanding of" functions primarily as a directive or recommendation, encouraging a specific attitude or behavior toward others. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

35%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be understanding of" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that encourages empathy, tolerance, and acceptance. As Ludwig AI notes, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its usage can vary from informal personal interactions to more formal professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and consider whether tangible actions are also needed to provide support. Remember that fostering understanding is crucial for positive relationships and social environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show compassion for

Replaces "understanding" with "compassion", emphasizing the sympathetic concern for others' suffering.

have empathy for

Substitutes "understanding" with "empathy", highlighting the ability to share and understand others' feelings.

be considerate of

Replaces "understanding" with "considerate", focusing on thoughtfulness and respect for others' needs and feelings.

take into account

Shifts the focus to considering someone's circumstances before making a judgement or decision.

appreciate the situation

Highlights the acknowledgment and acceptance of the circumstances someone is facing.

recognize their perspective

Focuses on acknowledging and respecting someone's point of view, even if different from one's own.

be tolerant of

Emphasizes acceptance and patience towards someone's differences or shortcomings.

make allowances for

Suggests being forgiving and flexible towards someone's behavior or actions, considering their situation.

accept their feelings

Focuses on acknowledging and validating someone's emotional state.

be patient with

Highlights the need for tolerance and understanding, especially during challenging times.

FAQs

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

You can use "be understanding of" to encourage empathy or acceptance towards someone's situation. For example, "It's important to "be understanding of" their challenges during this difficult time".

What are some alternatives to "be understanding of"?

Alternatives include "show compassion for", "have empathy for", or "be considerate of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be understanding of" or "understand"?

The choice depends on the context. "Understand" is a more general term for comprehending something. "Be understanding of" implies empathy and acceptance. For example, you might "understand" a complex topic, but "be understanding of" someone's feelings.

What does it mean to "be understanding of" someone's perspective?

To ""be understanding of"" someone's perspective means to acknowledge and respect their point of view, even if you don't necessarily agree with it. It involves empathy and a willingness to see things from their side.