nearly understandable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly understandable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is close to being comprehensible but still has some ambiguity or difficulty in understanding. Example: "The instructions were nearly understandable, but I still had to ask for clarification on a few points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At one point, about half an hour in, a nearly understandable voice sang something like a melody line a few times; it didn't reappear.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Oguike's "Second Signal" nearly makes such passion understandable.

The New York Times - Arts

But Lamott nearly always tempers her understandable evangelism with honesty and humor.

The New York Times - Books

The nearly static image caused understandable restlessness in the audience and when, after half an hour of literal navel-gazing, the image cut to John's face, I spotted various spectators excitedly prod their partners to attention.

The Guardian - Arts

And for a Muslim, who views Islam as God's final revelation and can recall with vividness and understandable pride nearly a thousand years of Muslim triumph and superiority over Christendom (that is, the West), the presence and strength of Israel is a painful reminder of Islam's long fall from power.

The New York Times

Mr. Trebek seems stately and unflappable, which is understandable after nearly 30 years at the helm of a wildly successful game show.

Huffington Post

Therefore, the preponderance of positive assessments (nearly three fourths) seems understandable.

BMC Health Services Research

Mr. Haslett does not make Doug's decision to ship out without telling his mother — nor his failure to see her for nearly 20 years — remotely understandable.

The New York Times - Books

This squeamishness is understandable: Hutchison is nearly old enough to be Stodden's grandfather.

Huffington Post

But the Egyptian instinct to downplay the terrorist scenario is understandable:  tourism comprises nearly 10percentt of the country's economy, and Sharm El-Sheikh is one of Egypt's most popular destinations. .

Vice

That's not fair, especially since the earliest incarnation of Snow Patrol predates Coldplay by nearly half a decade, but it is understandable.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearly understandable" when you want to convey that something is close to being understood but still requires some effort or clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly understandable" when the subject is completely incomprehensible. Instead, opt for phrases like 'not understandable at all' or 'incomprehensible'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly understandable" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or concept to indicate a state approaching comprehensibility. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearly understandable" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is close to being comprehensible but not entirely so. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This phrase is found in both news media and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider whether alternative expressions like "almost understandable" or "partially understandable" might better capture your intended meaning. Be mindful not to overstate the level of comprehension, and ensure the phrase fits the tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost understandable

Similar in meaning, this alternative emphasizes the proximity to being fully understandable.

partially understandable

This alternative suggests that only some aspects are comprehensible.

somewhat comprehensible

Indicates a degree of understanding, but not complete clarity.

vaguely understandable

Suggests a faint or unclear level of understanding.

barely intelligible

This phrase implies that the message is only just capable of being understood.

almost clear

Focuses on the clarity of the message, rather than the understanding.

approaching clarity

Suggests a movement towards being understandable, but not yet fully achieved.

becoming clear

This implies a process of something becoming understandable over time.

nearing comprehension

Highlights the proximity to achieving full understanding.

close to being understood

A more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the potential for understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly understandable" in a sentence?

You can use "nearly understandable" to describe something that is close to being comprehensible but still requires some effort to fully grasp. For example: "The instructions were "nearly understandable", but I still needed clarification."

What can I say instead of "nearly understandable"?

Alternatives to "nearly understandable" include "almost understandable", "partially understandable", or "somewhat comprehensible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "nearly understandable" the same as "easily understandable"?

No, "nearly understandable" implies that some effort is still required to understand something, whereas "easily understandable" suggests that something is clear and simple to comprehend without much effort.

Can "nearly understandable" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "nearly understandable" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when precision is needed to convey the degree of comprehensibility. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it fits the overall tone.