it's understandable that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's understandable that" is a grammatically correct phrase, which can be used in written English.
It's generally used to indicate that someone can empathize with a particular perspective, situation or feeling. For example, "It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed with work, given all that you have on your plate right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's understandable that Anse Chastanet may not make everyone's Top 10 list for Caribbean beaches.

The New York Times - Travel

It's understandable that Mr. Baldwin would want to avoid copying Barrymore's manic, flamboyantly mannered performance.

The New York Times

It's understandable that Cosby wouldn't feel easy playing a man who's been diminished.

The New Yorker

"It's understandable that you're burned out.

The New Yorker

It's understandable that they're a bit discombobulated.

The Guardian - Sport

It's understandable that shops are having problems.

The Guardian

It's understandable that he should feel weary.

The Guardian - Sport

"After 19 years, it's understandable that he felt that way.

The New York Times - Sports

It's understandable that Mr. Beam doesn't want to repeat himself.

The New York Times - Arts

It's understandable that his tenure would be considered a success.

The Guardian - Sport

It's understandable that she would continue that tradition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's understandable that" to acknowledge and show empathy towards someone's feelings or situation. It helps build rapport and demonstrates understanding.

Common error

While useful in many contexts, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "it is reasonable that" or "it is logical that" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's understandable that" functions as an introductory phrase expressing empathy, agreement, or acceptance of a particular situation or feeling. As Ludwig AI suggests, it sets the stage for explaining or justifying a subsequent statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's understandable that" is a versatile phrase used to express empathy and validation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its high frequency in news and media sources underscores its role in providing context and softening potentially critical statements. While perfectly acceptable in most situations, writers should consider more formal synonyms in academic or professional writing where a more precise tone is required. By understanding these nuances, writers can use "it's understandable that" effectively to connect with their audience and convey genuine understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's reasonable that

Replaces "understandable" with "reasonable", suggesting a logical basis for the situation.

it's logical that

Substitutes "understandable" with "logical", emphasizing the rational or predictable nature of the situation.

it's conceivable that

Uses "conceivable" instead of "understandable", focusing on the possibility or imaginability of the situation.

it's justifiable that

Replaces "understandable" with "justifiable", highlighting the defensibility or excusability of the situation.

it's acceptable that

Uses "acceptable" in place of "understandable", focusing on the tolerability or permissibility of the situation.

it's easy to see why

Emphasizes the ease of understanding the reasons behind a situation, rather than directly stating it's understandable.

it's not surprising that

Focuses on the lack of surprise associated with a situation, implying it was expected or predictable.

one can appreciate that

Shifts the focus to the ability to appreciate or recognize the reasons behind a situation.

that makes sense

Offers a concise affirmation that something is logical or comprehensible.

that's perfectly natural

Indicates that something aligns with normal human behavior or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "it's understandable that" in a sentence?

You can use "it's understandable that" to express empathy or agreement with a situation. For instance, "It's understandable that you're upset after the mistake".

What are some alternatives to "it's understandable that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's reasonable that", "it's logical that", or "it's conceivable that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it's understandable that" formal or informal?

"It's understandable that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts. However, for very formal or academic writing, consider more precise and less conversational alternatives.

What is the difference between "it's understandable that" and "it's understandable if"?

"It's understandable that" implies a general acceptance or recognition of a situation, while "it's understandable if" suggests a conditional acceptance based on specific circumstances. For example, "It's understandable that you're tired" versus "it's understandable if you need a break".