can understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can understand' is correct and usable in written English.
It would usually be used in an affirmative statement, meaning that you have the ability or capacity to understand something. For example: "I can understand why you would make that decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One can understand why.

The Guardian - Business

Anyone can understand this.

The Economist

That I can understand.

The New York Times

Who can understand that?

The New York Times

I can understand this.

The New Yorker

Hope you can understand".

Independent

"Anyone can understand that".

The New York Times

You can understand why.

The New York Times - Arts

I can understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

Starbucks I can understand.

The New York Times

OP I can understand.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can understand" to express your ability to comprehend a situation, emotion, or concept. For example, "I can understand your frustration with the delayed flight".

Common error

While "can understand" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "comprehend" or "appreciate" to enhance the tone and precision of your language.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "can understand" is to express the ability or capacity to comprehend something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in affirmative statements to indicate the ability to understand. For example, from Ludwig: "I can understand this".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can understand" is a versatile expression used to convey comprehension, agreement, or empathy. It's grammatically correct and very common in both formal and informal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context and audience to determine if a more nuanced synonym like "comprehend" or "appreciate" might be more appropriate. With a strong presence in news media and academic writing, "can understand" remains a crucial phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are capable of understanding

Similar to "can understand" but highlights the capacity or potential for understanding.

are able to comprehend

More formal and emphasizes the ability to fully grasp something.

can grasp

Implies a quick or intuitive understanding.

can make sense of

Emphasizes the process of finding meaning or coherence.

can appreciate

Indicates understanding combined with a sense of value or recognition.

can figure out

Suggests a problem-solving approach to understanding.

can realize

Suggests a sudden or dawning understanding.

can see

More informal, suggesting an intuitive or obvious understanding.

can interpret

Focuses on the ability to explain the meaning of something.

can decode

Implies understanding something complex or encoded.

FAQs

How can I use "can understand" in a sentence?

Use "can understand" to express comprehension or empathy, such as "I can understand why you're upset" or "Anyone can understand the basic principles of physics".

What can I say instead of "can understand"?

You can use alternatives like "can comprehend", "can appreciate", or "can grasp" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "can understand" or "can understood"?

"Can understand" is the correct form. "Can understood" is grammatically incorrect because "can" is a modal verb that should be followed by the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "can understand" and "can appreciate"?

"Can understand" implies a basic level of comprehension, while "can appreciate" suggests a deeper understanding and recognition of the value or significance of something.