from what we understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "From what we understand" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement based on something another person or group has said or done. For example, "From what we understand, the mayor's office plans to announce a new tax initiative later this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"From what we understand, their primary purpose is nurturing artists of the highest merit," he said.

The Washington Post

"but from what we understand, in many cases there's no warning".

The New York Times

"From what we understand, the original people who were supposed to haul it wouldn't do it.

The New York Times

The temperature really drops inside the maze and, from what we understand, securing a campsite can be contentious.

The New Yorker

(part 2 of 2) April 22, 2014 From what we understand, Ryan Giggs will be named interim manager later today.

The Guardian - Sport

"From what we understand, they are making every effort to fulfill their customers' orders," a spokeswoman for Powderject said yesterday.

The New York Times

"From what we understand he could be at Arsenal.

BBC

From what we understand the round is not yet closed.

TechCrunch

From what we understand, though, some attribution issues have remained.

TechCrunch

From what we understand, this is just stage.

TechCrunch

The omission was not intended, from what we understand.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from what we understand" to introduce information that is not directly observed or confirmed but gathered from other sources, lending a degree of professional distance.

Common error

Avoid using "from what we understand" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can make your statements sound tentative and undermine your authority. Vary your phrasing to convey certainty where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from what we understand" functions as an introductory phrase, often serving as a hedge or disclaimer. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase introduces information based on indirect sources, rather than direct knowledge, softening the assertion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from what we understand" is a versatile introductory phrase used to relay information gathered indirectly. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While widely accepted, writers should avoid overuse and ensure clarity by varying their phrasing to maintain authority. This phrase is best suited for neutral to professional settings when conveying information with a degree of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our understanding is

A more concise way to express the same idea.

it is our understanding that

Changes the sentence structure while retaining the core meaning.

as far as we can tell

Focuses on the extent of current knowledge or investigation.

to the best of our knowledge

Emphasizes the limitations of one's understanding and the accuracy of current information.

according to our information

Highlights the role of received information in shaping understanding.

based on our current understanding

Specifies the tentative nature of the current comprehension.

we gather

Highlights the act of collecting information.

from our perspective

Indicates the understanding is viewed through a specific viewpoint.

as we interpret it

Stresses the act of interpretation in forming the understanding.

we believe

Indicates a level of certainty or opinion.

FAQs

How do I use "from what we understand" in a sentence?

Use "from what we understand" to preface information you've learned indirectly. For example, "From what we understand, the company plans to expand its operations next year."

What phrases are similar to "from what we understand"?

Alternatives include "to the best of our knowledge", "as far as we can tell", or "it is our understanding that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "from what we understand" or "from what we've understood"?

"From what we understand" is generally preferred because it suggests an ongoing or current understanding, while "from what we've understood" implies a past understanding that might have changed.

When should I avoid using "from what we understand"?

Avoid using "from what we understand" when you have direct, verifiable knowledge of something. In such cases, a more direct statement will strengthen your credibility.