it is essential to understand that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is essential to understand that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the importance of grasping a particular concept or idea. Example: "In order to fully appreciate the implications of this study, it is essential to understand that the data was collected over a ten-year period."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that no agreement has ever been reached between the parties on any of the permanent status issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

While we work hard to help our graduates find jobs, it is essential to understand that creative writing for the vast majority is not a profession … no applicant should put her or himself in financial peril in order to pursue the degree".

The New Yorker

It is essential to understand that none of what happened to the Saadis or Belhaj would have come to light had it not been for the chance discovery by Human Rights Watch of documents in Koussa's office, which established Allen's eager co-operation on behalf of the UK.

The Guardian - Opinion

In exploring how this problem might be highlighted and addressed, it is essential to understand that affluent societies have a great interest in upholding the prevailing institutional arrangements: Their banks benefit from their international lending and — far more importantly — their firms and people benefit greatly from cheap resource supplies.

Yale University

However, it is essential to understand that such features do not speak for themselves.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

In articulating a neo-baroque strategy, it is essential to understand that, in this instance, what is derived from the Baroque is a technique, not a style.

Ecological Processes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

However, it's essential to understand that although analytics are important, they're not sufficient.

Harvard Business Review

To accomplish that it is essential to understand and grapple with the states of poverty.

HuffPost

It is essential to understand the difference.

The Washington Post

It's essential to understand who makes up that audience.

Forbes

Second, it's essential to understand and regulate the emotions that underlie our helping impulse.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is essential to understand that" when introducing a foundational concept or a crucial piece of information that the audience needs to grasp for further comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "it is essential to understand that" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "it is crucial to recognize that" or "it's important to note that" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is essential to understand that" functions as an introductory phrase. It prefaces a statement that the speaker or writer deems crucial for the audience to grasp. This serves to highlight the significance of the information that follows, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is essential to understand that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for emphasizing the importance of a particular concept or piece of information. As noted by Ludwig, it serves as an introductory phrase, highlighting the significance of the content that follows. While the phrase is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, it is most commonly found in news and media, science, and business publications. To avoid redundancy, consider varying your language with alternatives like "it is crucial to recognize that" or "it's important to note that". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imperative to grasp that

Replaces 'essential' with 'imperative' and 'understand' with 'grasp', conveying a slightly stronger sense of urgency and necessity.

it is crucial to recognize that

Substitutes 'essential' with 'crucial' and 'understand' with 'recognize', highlighting the critical nature of acknowledgement.

it is vital to appreciate that

Replaces 'essential' with 'vital' and 'understand' with 'appreciate', focusing on the importance of valuing and comprehending the information.

it is important to bear in mind that

Uses 'important' instead of 'essential' and emphasizes remembering or considering the information.

it is fundamental to acknowledge that

Replaces 'essential' with 'fundamental' and 'understand' with 'acknowledge', stressing the foundational nature of the information.

one must be aware that

Shifts to a more general statement about necessary awareness, rather than direct understanding.

it's key to comprehend that

Uses 'key' and 'comprehend' to highlight the importance of thorough understanding.

you should take note that

Advises the audience to pay attention to the information.

it's worth considering that

Suggests reflecting upon the given information, rather than strictly understanding it.

keep in mind that

Emphasizes remembering or not forgetting the information.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is essential to understand that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is crucial to recognize that", "it is important to note that", or "it is vital to appreciate that" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "it is essential to understand that"?

The phrase "it is essential to understand that" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While "essential" suggests importance, the overall tone remains relatively objective and appropriate for various writing styles.

When should I use "it is essential to understand that"?

Use "it is essential to understand that" when introducing a fundamental concept or a piece of information that's crucial for the reader's comprehension of the topic at hand.

Is there a subtle difference between "it is essential to understand that" and "it is important to understand that"?

Yes, while both phrases convey the significance of understanding something, "it is essential to understand that" emphasizes a more critical or indispensable need for comprehension compared to "it is important to understand that".