it was understandable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was understandable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a situation or reaction is reasonable or justifiable given the circumstances. Example: "After hearing her explanation, I realized that her decision was based on a lot of pressure, and it was understandable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And it was understandable.

The New Yorker

Others said it was understandable.

The New York Times

It was understandable on all sides.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet [laughs], it was understandable too.

The Guardian - Film

It was understandable why others would despise him.

The New Yorker

It was understandable that this project made Ratzinger many enemies.

The New York Times

But it wasn't creaky-gate stuff, it was understandable.

Independent

If the mood seemed tense, it was understandable.

The New York Times

"In context, it was understandable what we did".

The New York Times - Sports

It was understandable in the elderly, facing death.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a lukewarm endorsement, and it was understandable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was understandable", ensure the context clearly explains why the situation or reaction was reasonable. Providing this context enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it was understandable" as a standalone statement without explaining the underlying reasons. Without context, the phrase can sound dismissive or vague. Always clarify why something was understandable to ensure your audience comprehends your reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was understandable" primarily functions as a comment or assessment on a situation or action. Ludwig's examples showcase how it's used to provide context and justification, making the situation comprehensible to the audience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was understandable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is reasonable or justifiable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to offer validation or acceptance of a particular situation. The analysis of examples shows that it is frequently used in news and media contexts. Remember that providing clear context to explain why something was understandable is essential for effective communication. Alternatives include "it was reasonable", "it was justifiable", and "it made sense", each offering slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's understandable

A more direct and conversational way of saying something is easy to grasp and accept.

it was reasonable

Emphasizes the logical aspect of why something made sense.

it made sense

Indicates something was logical or coherent.

it was justifiable

Focuses on the moral or ethical reasons something was acceptable.

it was to be expected

States that the outcome was likely or anticipated.

it was excusable

Highlights that something, while perhaps not ideal, can be forgiven.

it is easy to understand

Focuses on the ease with which someone can comprehend a situation.

it was predictable

Suggests the event or action was expected based on the circumstances.

the reasons were clear

Highlights that the reasons behind something were apparent and easy to discern.

the logic was sound

Emphasizes the validity and coherence of the reasoning behind an action or event.

FAQs

How can I use "it was understandable" in a sentence?

Use "it was understandable" to indicate that a reaction, decision, or situation was reasonable given the circumstances. For example, "Given the pressure she was under, "it was understandable" that she made a mistake".

What are some alternatives to "it was understandable"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "it was reasonable", "it was justifiable", or "it made sense".

Is it correct to say "it is understandable" instead of "it was understandable"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "It is understandable" is used for present or general situations, while "it was understandable" refers to a past event or situation.

What's the difference between "it was understandable" and "it was obvious"?

"It was understandable" suggests a rational basis for something, implying reasons that make sense. "It was obvious" suggests something was easily apparent or evident. While they can overlap, "it was understandable" implies a deeper level of reasoning than "it was obvious".