can be understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's ability to empathize or comprehend a situation or feelings of others. Example: "In difficult times, a good friend can be understanding and supportive, helping you through your challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I hope that if I can be so understanding about their background and shortcomings, they can be understanding to those of us who haven't had those opportunities".

The Guardian

It embodied an idea that seemed to inform everything about Bleasdale's telling of the story – that there can be understanding without any reductive attempt to deny differences.

Independent

For example, you can be understanding, forgiving, listen actively, and remember what people tell you.

Huffington Post

Make friends with other only children, since they know how you feel, they can be understanding to your dilemmas.

WikiHow

"And I think I can be understanding when the situation calls for it".

The New York Times - Sports

Some kids can be understanding, but there will always be those who cloud their judgment in ignorance.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Be Friendly, but not a Friend You can still be supportive and you can still be understanding.

Forbes

But even those who know most definitely where they stand can often be understanding, at least in public, about those who disagree.

The New York Times

How can there be understanding and tolerance if such teaching and learning are mainly on one side?

The New York Times

If you can't, you have to move toward me, because if you're yelling at me, there can be problems understanding the nature of your message.

The New York Times

When, in episode one, Cobblepot explains that he's the head of a revolution coming to the city, Bruce can be sympathetic, understanding of his frustrations.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be understanding", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is understanding. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be understanding" in contexts where a more specific term would provide a clearer picture of the type of understanding involved. For example, instead of saying "a friend can be understanding", specify that the friend "can be sympathetic", "can be supportive", or "can be patient".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be understanding" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating the potential or ability of someone or something to possess understanding. This aligns with Ludwig AI that confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be understanding" effectively communicates the potential for empathy, comprehension, and tolerance. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, its frequency is relatively uncommon, often appearing in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, specificity is key; ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject of understanding. Alternatives like "can be sympathetic" or "can show comprehension" may offer enhanced clarity depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be sympathetic

Focuses more on empathy and compassion rather than just intellectual understanding.

can be insightful

Highlights the ability to gain a deeper or more accurate understanding of things.

can show comprehension

Highlights the demonstration of understanding through actions or words.

can be perceptive

Emphasizes the ability to notice and understand subtle things.

can grasp the meaning

Focuses on the ability to understand the significance or importance of something.

can be knowledgeable

Shifts the focus to possessing a broad base of information and understanding.

can appreciate

Implies understanding combined with a sense of value or gratitude.

can demonstrate awareness

Highlights the active display of understanding of a situation.

can be cognizant

Emphasizes being aware and understanding something.

can be aware

Focuses on having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be understanding" to describe someone's capacity for empathy or comprehension. For example, "In difficult situations, a good leader "can be understanding" and supportive."

What are some alternatives to "can be understanding"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "can be sympathetic", "can be knowledgeable", or "can show comprehension".

Is it better to say "can be understanding" or "is understanding"?

The choice depends on the context. "Can be understanding" suggests a potential or ability, while "is understanding" describes a current state or action.

How does "can be understanding" differ from "can understand"?

"Can understand" focuses on the ability to comprehend, while ""can be understanding"" often implies empathy and a supportive attitude alongside comprehension.