open to understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open to understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a willingness to comprehend or accept different perspectives or ideas. Example: "In discussions about sensitive topics, it's important to remain open to understanding the viewpoints of others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I admire Kristyne's openness, both in relaying her experience and in being open to understanding the experiences of others.

Huffington Post

This mindset guarantees that you are open to understanding your investors, your target market, and your users and that you can understand the problems they are dealing with so that you can provide real value.

Forbes

But they were not open to understanding and helping me".

The New Yorker

"Vedrine has been open to understanding Serbian patriotism," Mr. Kostunica said.

The New York Times

People who have kids are more open to understanding the importance of the service," Alfonta says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's how music is, embracing the difference actually makes you become more tolerant, more open to understanding other people.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Women are generally more open and receptive to understanding how they're being perceived by the opposite sex.

Huffington Post

So if you can start to open people's mind through this easy entry point, it can open them to understanding more," Dr. Adam said.

Vice

"This will open doors to understanding the biology of breast cancer that would not have been opened otherwise," said Mary Claire King, a geneticist at the University of Washington who was the first to identify a breast cancer gene, BRCA1.

The New York Times - Health

An Augustinian lens does not open us to understanding the metaphysical picture that Ibn Gabirol is trying to paint for us.

SEP

A Kabbalistic lens does not open us to understanding the metaphysical picture that Ibn Gabirol is trying to paint for us.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "open to understanding", ensure that the context clearly indicates what or whose understanding is being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

While "open to understanding" is valid, avoid using it excessively, especially when simpler words like "receptive" or "understanding" could convey the same meaning more directly. Consider the overall flow and conciseness of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open to understanding" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of receptiveness or willingness. As Ludwig AI shows, it often describes individuals or groups ready to consider different perspectives or learn new information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open to understanding" is a valuable expression that indicates receptiveness and willingness to comprehend diverse perspectives. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While there are several alternative phrases, such as "receptive to understanding" and "willing to comprehend", "open to understanding" maintains its unique emphasis on receptiveness. When employing this phrase, remember to clearly define the object of understanding to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receptive to understanding

Emphasizes the willingness to receive and consider new information or perspectives.

amenable to understanding

Suggests a cooperative attitude toward comprehending something.

willing to comprehend

Highlights the readiness and desire to grasp the meaning of something.

disposed to understanding

Indicates a favorable inclination toward understanding.

inclined to understand

Similar to 'disposed to', suggesting a natural tendency to understand.

susceptible to understanding

Implies being easily influenced by the possibility of understanding.

responsive to understanding

Focuses on reacting positively to the potential for understanding.

accepting of different perspectives

Highlights the aspect of embracing diverse viewpoints.

open-minded

A more general term for being receptive to new ideas and information.

willing to learn

Focuses on the willingness to acquire new knowledge and insights.

FAQs

How can I use "open to understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "open to understanding" to describe a person or group that is receptive to different ideas or perspectives. For example, "The team was "open to understanding" the client's needs before proposing a solution."

What are some alternatives to "open to understanding"?

Some alternatives to "open to understanding" include "receptive to understanding", "willing to comprehend", or simply "open-minded", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "open to understanding" or "willing to understand"?

Both "open to understanding" and "willing to understand" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "Open to understanding" emphasizes receptiveness, while "willing to understand" stresses intention.

What does it mean to be "open to understanding" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, being "open to understanding" means being willing to listen to and consider the other party's point of view, needs, and concerns. It involves active listening, empathy, and a genuine effort to comprehend their perspective, which can facilitate finding mutually beneficial solutions.