it is my understanding that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is my understanding that' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to indicate that the speaker believes something to be true based on what he or she has heard. Example: It is my understanding that the meeting was delayed until next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Further, it is my understanding that depression can be very painful.

Huffington Post

It is my understanding that his show is supposed to be comedic.

The New York Times - Sports

It is my understanding that there will be no financial aid available after Jan . 1

The New York Times

It is my understanding that it was a checkpoint," Graybeal said.

Independent

"It is my understanding that there is no risk," he said.

The New York Times

It is my understanding that they actually give you a shot of tequila at the start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is my understanding that Chen is in the safest place in China.

The Guardian

"It is my understanding that my former partner wishes the incident to remain private.

The Guardian

It is my understanding that a lot of money went missing there".

The Guardian

But it is my understanding that this is not normally the case.

The New York Times

It is my understanding that if the need arises, this is and always will be available for parish use.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is my understanding that" to introduce information you've received from others, especially when you're not entirely certain about its accuracy or source. This softens the assertion and avoids misrepresenting secondhand knowledge as fact.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences with "it is my understanding that", as this can make your writing sound repetitive and hesitant. Vary your sentence structure and consider using more direct phrasing where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is my understanding that" serves as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating the speaker is relaying information rather than asserting a definitive fact. Ludwig examples showcase its role in news and media, where accuracy and source attribution are important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is my understanding that" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey information while acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to relay information based on external sources rather than asserting a definitive fact. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it fits well in professional contexts where cautious communication is valued. While effective, overuse can make writing repetitive. Consider alternatives like "I believe that" or "I understand that" to vary your phrasing and to be more concise when appropriate. While most authoritative sources approve and use the phrase, it's best to be mindful of its usage to maintain clarity and confidence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's my belief that

Similar meaning, with a slightly stronger emphasis on the personal nature of the belief.

i understand that

Slightly more concise and direct, implying a comprehension of the information.

i have reason to believe that

Indicates a logical basis for the belief, suggesting evidence or justification.

i believe that

More direct and assertive, expressing a personal belief without necessarily implying external information.

my impression is that

Focuses on a subjective feeling or sense formed from the available information.

i've been informed that

Emphasizes the act of receiving information from an external source.

i gather that

Suggests inferring information from various sources rather than a single, clear statement.

from what i've heard

Highlights the reliance on hearsay or informal communication.

to my knowledge

Limits the statement to the speaker's personal awareness, without implying a strong belief.

as far as i know

Similar to 'to my knowledge', but with a slightly more informal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "it is my understanding that" in a sentence?

You can use "it is my understanding that" to introduce a statement based on information you have received but are not completely certain about. For example: "It is my understanding that the meeting has been postponed."

What are some alternatives to "it is my understanding that"?

Alternatives include "I believe that", "I understand that", or "as far as I know" depending on the context and level of certainty you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is my understanding that" or "i understand that"?

Both phrases are correct, but "it is my understanding that" is slightly more formal and implies the information comes from an external source. "I understand that" is more direct and suggests personal comprehension.

What's the difference between "it is my understanding that" and "it is my belief that"?

"It is my understanding that" suggests that your opinion is based on outside information, while "it is my belief that" indicates a personal conviction that may not necessarily be based on concrete facts. Choose the phrase that best reflects the basis of your statement.