it is only understandable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only understandable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is reasonable or understandable given the circumstances. Example: "After their exhausting hike, it is only understandable that they wanted to rest for the remainder of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The American has been missed in countless different ways, so it is only understandable that the world of golf was falling over itself to declare him restored.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Late in the game, Hands of Stone hits the panic button and forces some sympathy: Durán grew up poor, so it's only understandable that he acts like a prick to his family and friends.

The Guardian - Film

Of course, it's only understandable that Americans might not want to miss out on all the deals (how good they are is a subject of some dispute).

Vice

"Everything about myself as a filmmaker is only understandable by going on the Cyclone," he said.

The New Yorker

Elizabeth's confession of 1878, for example, is only understandable if one already knows of her 1875 statement at the trial and, before that, of her multiple statements confessing and denying adultery in 1870.

The New York Times - Books

The effects of Se outlined above can mostly be attributed to selenoproteins; therefore, it is entirely understandable that we only observed an effect in the bottom quartile of Se status in the present study and in the bottom tertile in our earlier study.

British Journal of Nutrition

Migration of this polypeptide in the upper part of the gel was only understandable through its presence in a large structure and suggested that the VDAC may engage into high molecular weight complexes which interact with the DNA.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

Now finally we see the crux of Kotkin's interpretation: Stalin was a man acting out of deeply held ideological convictions whose actions are only understandable in these terms, not in terms of maximisation of personal power.

The Guardian - Books

One would hope that it was only the understandable agony of his personal experiences talking - and not anything more ideological.

The Guardian

With Middlesbrough and Brighton winning, the tension around Turf Moor was understandable and it was only heightened when Scott Malone's low cross narrowly evaded Pilkington.

The Guardian - Sport

Later in 1998, Charles Rosen pointed out that "The Enlightenment condemned religious enthusiasm as appropriate for the uneducated and the great unwashed" and "it is understandable that the only original and vital religious poetry between 1760 and 1840 should have been written by poets considered genuinely mad by their contemporaries: Smart, Blake, and Hölderlin".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is only understandable" when you want to convey empathy or acknowledge the validity of a reaction or situation. For example, "Given the circumstances, it is only understandable that she felt upset."

Common error

Avoid using "it is only understandable" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it's reasonable" or "it's not surprising".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only understandable" primarily functions as an evaluative expression. It serves to validate or justify a situation, action, or feeling by implying that it's a reasonable response to given circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is only understandable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signals empathy and validation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase serves to justify or rationalize a situation, action, or feeling. While adaptable to various contexts, it's particularly frequent in news and media, science, and formal business settings. To maintain engaging writing, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "it is perfectly logical" or "it is perfectly reasonable". By balancing frequency and context, you can effectively use this phrase to convey comprehension and understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's quite reasonable

Changes the emphasis slightly, focusing on the reasonableness of something.

it's perfectly logical

Highlights the logical aspect of why something is understandable.

it's entirely justifiable

Emphasizes the justification for something, making it understandable.

it's completely expected

Focuses on the expectation of something happening, thus making it understandable.

that's perfectly natural

Indicates that something aligns with normal human behavior, hence understandable.

it stands to reason

Implies something is logical and easily deduced, thus understandable.

that's hardly surprising

Suggests that something is not surprising, implying it's understandable.

it's easy to see why

Highlights the ease of understanding the reasons behind something.

one can appreciate that

Focuses on the ability to appreciate or understand a certain situation or action.

it's not difficult to grasp

Underlines that the concept is not difficult to comprehend.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is only understandable" to express that something is reasonable or expected given certain circumstances. For example, "After working a 12-hour shift, "it is only understandable" that she wanted to go straight to bed."

What phrases are similar to "it is only understandable"?

Similar phrases include "it is only logical", "it is only natural", and "it is not surprising". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal alternative to "it is only understandable"?

A more formal alternative could be "it is entirely reasonable" or "it is perfectly justifiable". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing where a more elevated tone is preferred.

Can "it is only understandable" be used in negative contexts?

Yes, "it is only understandable" can be used to acknowledge negative feelings or actions. For example, "Given the immense pressure, "it is only understandable" that he made some mistakes."