it would be understandable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be understandable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where someone's feelings or reactions can be justified or rationalized. Example: "Given the circumstances, it would be understandable if she felt overwhelmed by the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a very nice exit for the startup, and it would be understandable for its founders to take a well-deserved breather afterward.

TechCrunch

If you guessed "The Hunger Games," it would be understandable.

The New York Times - Arts

It would be understandable for the Nationals to overwork Strasburg, but the team has shown restraint.

The New York Times

IT would be understandable if one confused a slimy, barnacle-covered rock with an unopened oyster.

The New York Times - Travel

It won't be surprising if the iPhone succeeds, but it would be understandable if it failed.

The New Yorker

It would be understandable if Bush officials were nostalgic for those days.

The Economist

But it would be understandable if some potential ticket buyers struggled to get past the title.

The Guardian

If Darby has been tempted by short-termist tactics, it would be understandable.

The Guardian - Business

IF Honda's designers feel they have been double-crossed by American consumers, it would be understandable.

The New York Times

So it would be understandable if you were confused as to why things haven't changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"So if he stops or pauses, it would be understandable," Professor Fox said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would be understandable" to show empathy and acknowledge someone's feelings or actions in challenging situations. This can create a more supportive and understanding tone in your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it would be understandable", as this can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be understandable" serves as an evaluative comment, typically used to express empathy or to justify someone's feelings, actions, or decisions given a particular set of circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that a reaction is reasonable or justifiable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be understandable" is a versatile expression used to convey empathy and justify actions or feelings. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, primarily in news and media. The phrase serves to offer validation, create agreement, and highlight the reasonableness of a response, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. While highly useful, it is important to vary your sentence structure to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's easy to understand

Focuses on the simplicity of grasping a concept or situation.

one could understand

A more formal way of saying something is understandable.

it's easy to see why

This phrase emphasizes the ease of understanding the reason behind a feeling or action.

it's not hard to imagine

Highlights the ease with which one can envision or comprehend a particular scenario or feeling.

it's only natural that

Implies that a certain reaction or feeling is inherently human and expected.

it's reasonable to assume

Suggests that a particular assumption is logical and well-founded.

one might expect

This phrase sets an expectation for a particular outcome or feeling, making it predictable.

it's conceivable that

Emphasizes the possibility and likelihood of something being understood or accepted.

it could be anticipated that

Highlights the foreseeability of a particular event or reaction.

it is permissible to think

Suggests an allowance or permission in holding a specific thought or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be understandable" in a sentence?

Use "it would be understandable" to indicate that a particular reaction or feeling is justified given the circumstances. For example, "After such a long journey, "it would be understandable" if you wanted to rest."

What are some alternatives to "it would be understandable"?

You can use alternatives such as "it would be reasonable", "it would be logical", or "it is easy to understand" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it would have been understandable"?

Yes, "it would have been understandable" is grammatically correct. It refers to a situation in the past where a certain reaction would have been justified. For example, "If she had been angry, "it would have been understandable"."

What's the difference between "it would be understandable" and "it is understandable"?

"It would be understandable" suggests a hypothetical or conditional situation, while "it is understandable" describes a present or factual situation. For instance, "It would be understandable if he were upset" implies a possible reaction, whereas "it is understandable that he is upset" confirms his current state.