can be understandable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be understandable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the clarity or comprehensibility of a concept, statement, or situation. Example: "The instructions were complex, but with some effort, they can be understandable to most users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Retaliation is wrong, but in context it can be understandable.

The Guardian - Sport

Fear can be understandable, but that kind of message is not what is needed.

The Guardian

There can be understandable reasons for a donor to request anonymity.

The New York Times

Anti-establishment sentiment can be understandable, but if it's indifferent to the outcome it produces, then that's chaos and nihilism – not renewal.

The Guardian

Prevarication can be understandable when those same trustees have given so much, but it is an unhelpful response when the organisation needs the best from its trustees in the service of its mission and users.

The Guardian

Although there is a small place in any relationship for a bit of critical parenting (because some behaviour is unacceptable) and for a bit of adapted child (because these behaviours can be understandable), I see many couples stuck in a fatal combination.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Kremer's determination to record as much of the composer's music as he can is understandable, but by rights this could have been a one-disk album.

The New Yorker

In principle, the eventual prospect of gene therapy in humans should be welcomed but only when the effectiveness and safety of the techniques can be established.It is understandable that people everywhere should feel sensitive about any research that involves monkeying with human genes.

The Economist

Universality in application then imposes a limit on how complex principles of justice can be they must be understandable to common moral sense, and not so complicated that only experts can apply them in deliberations.

SEP

Complex things can be made understandable: that is the role of good design.

Stanford University

In drafting your responses, please try and avoid overly technical language and explain acronyms so that your ideas can be easily understandable to people who are not working in your field of expertise.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be understandable" to express that something, while perhaps complex or initially confusing, has the potential to be understood with effort or further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "can be understandable" when you actually mean something is "justifiable" or "excusable". Understanding something doesn't necessarily condone it; ensure your word choice reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be understandable" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that something has the capacity to be understood, even if it is not immediately apparent. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, where it's used to soften statements and allow for interpretation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be understandable" suggests that something has the potential to be understood, although it may require context or effort. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While categorized as uncommon in frequency, its presence across diverse sources like news media, scientific journals, and wikis underscores its versatility. When using "can be understandable", ensure it aligns with your intent to emphasize potential comprehension rather than justification. Employ it to offer reasoned perspectives and convey empathy, as exemplified in the examples from Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is potentially comprehensible

Focuses on the potential for understanding, highlighting possibility rather than current state.

could be comprehended

Uses "comprehended" which indicates a thorough understanding, implying effort might be needed.

is readily grasped

Implies ease of understanding; something is easily and quickly understood.

is relatively clear

Focuses on clarity, suggesting a lack of ambiguity.

is conceivably reasonable

Stresses the potential reasonableness, making it about logic more than empathy.

is possibly justifiable

Shifts the focus from understanding to whether something is excusable or defensible.

may be justifiable

Similar to "is possibly justifiable" but emphasizes the possibility of justification.

is arguably defensible

Focuses on being able to argue in favor of something, rather than its inherent understandability.

might be excusable

Highlights the excusability of something, differing from understandability.

is perhaps forgivable

Emphasizes forgiveness as opposed to understanding the logic behind something.

FAQs

How to use "can be understandable" in a sentence?

Use "can be understandable" to suggest that something might not be immediately clear, but comprehension is possible. For instance, "His reaction "can be understandable", given the circumstances".

What can I say instead of "can be understandable"?

You can use alternatives like "potentially comprehensible", "readily grasped", or "relatively clear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "can be understandable"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something isn't immediately obvious but has the potential to be understood with context or explanation. It's often used when discussing emotions, behaviors, or complex systems.

What's the difference between "can be understandable" and "is understandable"?

"Can be understandable" suggests a potential for understanding, whereas "is understandable" implies that it is already comprehended or easily understood. The former acknowledges a possible barrier to initial understanding.