is understandable

USAGE SUMMARY

'is understandable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when trying to explain that you or someone else comprehends something. For example, "I find the explanation of the physics concept to be understandable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His hesitation is understandable.

Independent

Visitor disbelief is understandable.

The New York Times - Arts

Petrobras's punishment is understandable.

The New York Times

The confusion is understandable.

The New York Times

The excitement is understandable.

The Economist

"Their anger is understandable.

The New York Times

Jaipore's popularity is understandable.

The New York Times

Haskell's bewilderment is understandable.

The New York Times - Books

Gore's reluctance is understandable.

The New Yorker

The fear is understandable.

The Economist

The chatter is understandable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is understandable" to convey empathy or acceptance of a situation, decision, or emotion, especially when explaining or justifying something that might initially seem questionable or negative.

Common error

Avoid using "is understandable" as a mere filler or a conversational crutch. Ensure that its use genuinely contributes to explaining why something is comprehensible given the circumstances, not just as a way to soften a statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is understandable" functions as an adjective phrase, offering an assessment or judgment about a situation, feeling, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, highlighting its role in conveying comprehension and acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is understandable" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjective phrase that serves to justify or validate a particular situation, feeling, or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its common usage spans from formal contexts like news and academic writing to more informal settings. While its neutral tone makes it versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse and ensure its presence genuinely contributes to explaining why something is comprehensible. Related phrases, such as "is reasonable" or "is justifiable", offer alternative ways to express a similar idea. Ultimately, mastering the use of "is understandable" involves appreciating its role in conveying empathy and clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comprehensible

Replaces "understandable" with a synonym, focusing on the ability to be understood.

is intelligible

Similar to comprehensible, emphasizing clarity and ease of understanding.

is reasonable

Shifts the focus to the logical or rational basis for something being understood or accepted.

is justifiable

Indicates that there are valid reasons or grounds for something being the way it is.

is defensible

Implies that something can be defended or supported with evidence or arguments.

is excusable

Focuses on the mitigating circumstances that make something understandable even if not ideal.

can be grasped

Emphasizes the ability to mentally seize or understand something.

can be appreciated

Highlights the ability to recognize the value or significance of something.

makes sense

A more informal way of saying something is logical and understandable.

is not surprising

Shifts focus to the expectedness rather than understandability of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is understandable" in a sentence?

You can use "is understandable" to explain why a particular feeling, action, or situation makes sense given the circumstances. For example, "Given the stress she's under, her reaction "is understandable"".

What are some alternatives to "is understandable"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "is understandable" include "is reasonable", "is comprehensible", "makes sense", or "is justifiable". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is understandable"?

"Is understandable" is appropriate when you want to express empathy or explain the logic behind something that might initially seem confusing or negative. It acknowledges the validity of a reaction or situation given the circumstances.

Is "understandable" formal or informal?

"Understandable" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality of the overall sentence and the surrounding vocabulary will determine the overall register.