does not understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack of comprehension or awareness regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "She often feels frustrated when he does not understand her point of view during discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does not understand himself.

The New Yorker

Smith does not understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

Yeltsin does not understand capitalism.

Harvard Business Review

Robert does not understand Painter's Block.

The New Yorker

She does not understand the critics' compliments.

The New Yorker

"She does not understand," Kathryn said.

The New Yorker

The American culture does not understand this.

The New York Times - Food

The US does not understand Syria.

The Guardian

"He does not understand a capitalist economy".

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps Mr. Sharon does not understand.

The New York Times

But Gaddafi does not understand that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject of "does not understand" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "He does not understand", specify "He does not understand the instructions."

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "does not understand". Break down complex sentences into simpler statements for clarity. Instead of "The student, who had missed several classes, does not understand the material, which makes it difficult for him to complete the assignment", try "The student missed several classes. He does not understand the material. This makes it difficult to complete the assignment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not understand" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of comprehension or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it used across various contexts to indicate a failure to grasp a concept, situation, or emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does not understand" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of comprehension. According to Ludwig AI, it's frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, but also in academic and informal settings. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject and object of understanding are clearly defined. While alternatives like "fails to comprehend" or "is unaware of" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity and readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks understanding of

Directly states the absence of comprehension regarding a specific topic.

fails to comprehend

Emphasizes a complete lack of understanding.

cannot grasp

Focuses on the inability to fully seize or comprehend an idea.

is unaware of

Highlights a lack of knowledge or consciousness about something.

is unable to perceive

Highlights a difficulty in sensing or interpreting something.

is ignorant of

Suggests a lack of knowledge, often implying a lack of education.

is oblivious to

Implies a lack of awareness, often of something obvious or important.

is unfamiliar with

Indicates a lack of experience or knowledge.

misinterprets

Implies an incorrect understanding or interpretation.

is confused by

Highlights the state of being perplexed or bewildered.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "does not understand"?

You can use alternatives like "fails to comprehend", "is unaware of", or "cannot grasp" depending on the context.

How do I use "does not understand" in a sentence?

Ensure the subject and object of understanding are clear. For example, "The child does not understand the concept of time" is clearer than "He does not understand."

Is it better to use "does not understand" or "fails to understand"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "fails to understand" might sound slightly more formal. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "does not understand" and "is unaware of"?

"Does not understand" implies a lack of comprehension, while "is unaware of" suggests a lack of knowledge or consciousness. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing comprehension or knowledge.