it is our understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is our understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that you and a group of people have a shared understanding of something. For example: "It is our understanding that the deadline for submitting the project is next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

George Ledwith, a senior KPMG spokesman, said in the statement that "it is our understanding that the investigation is related to tax strategies that are no longer offered by the firm".

The New York Times

It is our understanding that further qualitative studies are necessary in order to understand how the ESF is being structured as an organizational basis of the care model.

BMC Family Practice

"It is our understanding that he is telling people he owns the Sagamore," he said.

The New York Times

It is our understanding that the theatre was in touch with Abel Ferrara, after which they declined to screen it.

The Guardian - Film

"It is our understanding that he blacked out and then came to after the contact," said the spokesman, Joel Henderson.

The New York Times

"It is our understanding by our legal counsel that we are authorized to sail," he said last night.

The New York Times

"It is our understanding that the product supplied to Sainsbury's is not only British but from our own source".

The Guardian

Harold McGowan's brother Leroy said: "It is our understanding that John Grieve will be willing to take over the case.

The Guardian

"It is our understanding that this would need only contain 5 percent real [Scottish] whisky," she said.

The New York Times

"It is our understanding that the tenants at Norwich Gate will be able to stay in their apartments under the new program," Mr. Dempsey said.

The New York Times

It is our understanding that after what has happened in Tskhinvali and what has been planned for Abkhazia they have the right to decide their destiny by themselves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is our understanding" when conveying a shared, informed perspective rather than a personal opinion. This phrase adds weight and credibility to your statement, particularly in professional or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it is our understanding" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "we think" or "we believe" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is our understanding" functions as a hedging device used to introduce a statement of belief or knowledge. It signals that the information is based on a collective perception or shared understanding rather than a definitive fact. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is our understanding" is a versatile phrase used to express a shared belief or knowledge, functioning as a hedging device in various contexts. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, scientific, and formal business settings. While suitable for neutral to formal communication, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and broad application, making it a valuable tool for expressing informed perspectives without asserting absolute certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we believe

Direct statement of belief, less formal.

we understand

Similar meaning, but lacks the emphasis on a shared understanding.

it is our belief

More formal and emphasizes the conviction behind the understanding.

to our knowledge

Focuses on the extent of available information.

we are under the impression

Indicates a less certain understanding, more of a perception.

from our perspective

Highlights a particular viewpoint or angle.

it is our assessment

Suggests a more formal evaluation or judgment.

we gather that

Implies an understanding based on collected information.

our interpretation is

Emphasizes a specific interpretation of facts or events.

we've been led to believe

Suggests an understanding based on information received from others.

FAQs

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

"It is our understanding" prefaces a statement of shared knowledge or belief. For instance, "It is our understanding that the meeting has been postponed."

What are some alternatives to "it is our understanding"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "we believe", "we understand", or "to our knowledge" to convey similar meanings.

When is it appropriate to use "it is our understanding"?

Use "it is our understanding" in formal or professional settings when you want to emphasize that a piece of information is based on a collective assessment or shared knowledge.

Is "it is our understanding" formal or informal?

"It is our understanding" leans towards the formal side. In more casual contexts, phrases like "we think" or "we believe" might be more appropriate.