kind of understandable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of understandable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is somewhat or partially comprehensible, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "Given the complexity of the topic, it's kind of understandable that some people might be confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It invites confidences, flatters a certain kind of understandable vanity.

The Guardian - Books

Even that would be pat, kind of understandable on some level".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're just the first wave, but from my side it's kind of understandable because I want to help my own club," Jagr said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is kind of understandable when you look at where the older generations are coming from," Fish says of the negative stereotypes.

The Guardian

Mr. Guillon tried to explain what he portrayed as Mr. Sarkozy's obsession with President Obama this way: "It's kind of understandable.

The New York Times

This provides an insight into the drivers' psychology — kind of understandable, when you think of the dangers out there on the track, like the accident at the start of the race last weekend that eliminated both Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But even with these kinds of understandable limitations, we have a very good idea of what is going on.

BBC

But licensing is the kind of easily understandable, potentially appealing strategy that gun control researchers and advocates have lacked since they finally won passage of the Brady bill in 1994.

The New York Times

It is this kind of clear, understandable explanation that is needed to help empower individuals to be critical and informed consumers.

TechCrunch

Which, again, seems sort of understandable.

Vice

This kind of confusion is understandable given two facts of modern life.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of understandable" to express a nuanced level of comprehension, acknowledging that something isn't entirely clear but has some logical basis. For example, "His reaction was kind of understandable, considering the circumstances."

Common error

Avoid using "kind of understandable" in formal writing or presentations, as it can sound too casual. Opt for more precise alternatives like "somewhat comprehensible" or "partially justifiable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of understandable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that is somewhat or partially comprehensible. It softens the assertion, indicating a degree of understanding rather than a complete or absolute understanding, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Vice

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of understandable" is a commonly used adjective phrase to express partial or nuanced comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally acceptable, it is crucial to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives like "somewhat comprehensible" in professional or academic settings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate levels of understanding and justification in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of clear

Replaces 'kind of' with the synonymous 'sort of', keeping the same level of informality.

somewhat comprehensible

Replaces "kind of" with "somewhat" and uses the more formal "comprehensible" for a slightly elevated tone.

understandable to a degree

Adds precision by specifying that understanding is limited in scope.

partially justifiable

Shifts the focus to justification rather than understanding, implying that there are reasons to support something, even if not fully.

reasonably explicable

Emphasizes the ability to explain something logically, suggesting a rational basis for comprehension.

almost clear

Indicates near understanding, suggesting minimal clarification is needed.

to some extent reasonable

Highlights the rationality behind something while acknowledging limitations in its complete justification.

slightly conceivable

Suggests something is imaginable or believable, though perhaps not entirely convincing.

vaguely intelligible

Implies a basic level of understanding, even if the details are unclear or imprecise.

more or less lucid

Suggests intermittent clarity, implying that something is understandable at times but not consistently.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of understandable" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of understandable" to express partial agreement or comprehension. For example, "His frustration is "kind of understandable", given the delays".

What's a more formal way to say "kind of understandable"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "somewhat comprehensible", "partially justifiable", or "reasonably explicable".

Is it correct to say "sort of understandable" instead of "kind of understandable"?

Yes, "sort of understandable" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Both phrases have similar meanings and levels of informality.

What is the difference between "kind of understandable" and "completely understandable"?

"Kind of understandable" implies partial comprehension or agreement, while "completely understandable" indicates full and unequivocal understanding.