but understandably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but understandably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge that a situation or reaction is reasonable given the circumstances. Example: "She was upset about the decision, but understandably so, considering how much effort she had put into the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But understandably both programs responded one spade.

The New York Times

But understandably, I was asked about it".

The Guardian

But understandably, that was enough for them.

The Guardian

He was wrong, but understandably so.

The New Yorker

But, understandably, they've struggled going forward without De Rosario.

The Guardian - Sport

But understandably it left many important questions unsettled.

The Guardian - Opinion

A diamond would have worked best, but understandably he chose the heart king.

The New York Times

Schaub, who was uncharacteristically (but understandably) quiet during the podcast, agreed.

The New Yorker

But, understandably, East took his ace and shifted to the spade deuce.

The New York Times

He's back to +10, but understandably he's still not looking happy about it.

The Guardian - Sport

But, understandably, South played low from the board, capturing East's nine with his king.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but understandably" to smoothly introduce a contrasting element while acknowledging the underlying reason, creating a balanced and empathetic tone in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but understandably" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but understandably" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies the clause it's connected to. It serves to introduce a contrasting element while simultaneously acknowledging and justifying the preceding or following statement. Ludwig's examples showcase its common usage in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but understandably" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrasting point while acknowledging the reasons behind it. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. The phrase functions as an adverbial phrase, adding empathy and balance to writing. When using "but understandably", ensure it isn't overused to maintain clarity and engagement. Alternatives like ""but reasonably"" or ""yet understandably"" can provide variety. Overall, "but understandably" is a valuable tool for nuanced communication, balancing contrasting ideas with understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but reasonably

Focuses more on the logical aspect of the reason.

yet understandably

Emphasizes a slight contrast while still acknowledging the reason.

though understandably

Similar to 'yet understandably' but with a slightly weaker contrast.

however understandably

More formal and emphasizes the contrast.

understandably, though

Inverts the structure, placing emphasis on the 'understandably' part.

with good reason

More direct and less nuanced than "but understandably".

it's only natural that

Emphasizes the natural or expected response to a situation.

it's not surprising that

Indicates that something is expected given the circumstances.

which is understandable

More formal and explanatory.

with justification

Highlights that there are valid and defensible reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "but understandably" in a sentence?

You can use "but understandably" to introduce a contrasting action or feeling while acknowledging the reason behind it. For example, "He was disappointed, "but understandably" so, given the circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "but understandably"?

Alternatives include "but reasonably", "yet understandably", or "with good reason". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but understandably"?

While it's more common to use "but understandably" mid-sentence to connect contrasting ideas, starting a sentence with "understandably" can also be grammatically correct, especially if you want to emphasize the understandable aspect. However, "but understandably" is usually used as a conjunction to add more flow and to link two related ideas.

What's the difference between "but understandably" and "understandably"?

"Understandably" simply indicates that something is reasonable or expected. "But understandably" introduces a contrast, acknowledging the reason while presenting an opposing element. For example, "He was nervous, understandably. But "understandably", he still went on stage."