our understanding is

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "our understanding is" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you wish to express a conclusion or a belief that is shared among a group of people. For example, "Our understanding is that the project must be completed by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our understanding is just beginning.

The New Yorker

"Our understanding is just exploding".

The New York Times - Science

Our understanding is that this approach has not been challenged.

The Guardian

"I am urgently seeking confirmation that our understanding is correct.

The Guardian

"Our understanding is that some schools were impacted rather heavily".

The New York Times

"Our understanding is that this is a unique family situation".

The New York Times - Books

This does not mean that our understanding is accurate or complete.

The New York Times

"Our understanding is that Kraft must announce its final offer for Cadbury by 19 January.

The Guardian - Business

"Our understanding is that the visit is on," a Foreign Office spokeswoman said.

The Guardian

"Our understanding is there can be no electronic contact or hand signals".

The New York Times - Sports

Correcting this major flaw in our understanding is now an urgent priority".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, follow "our understanding is" with clear and concise language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "our understanding is" when the information is uncertain or speculative. Instead, use phrases like "we believe" or "it is our view" to indicate a degree of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our understanding is" primarily functions as a declarative statement, introducing a shared interpretation, belief, or conclusion. It sets the stage for presenting information based on a collective comprehension. As Ludwig highlights, it is a valid and usable phrase for expressing shared conclusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our understanding is" is a commonly used phrase that serves to introduce a shared interpretation or conclusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly valid and useful phrase in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and support your understanding with evidence. Be mindful of overstating certainty when the information is speculative; consider alternative phrases such as "we believe" in those instances. This expression effectively conveys a collective comprehension and facilitates clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our interpretation is

Focuses on the subjective nature of the understanding.

we have concluded

Indicates a reasoned judgment based on available evidence.

we believe

Replaces "understanding" with a more direct assertion of belief.

it's our view

States that the following is a specific viewpoint or perspective.

it is our belief

Emphasizes that the following statement is a firmly held conviction.

we've learned

Highlights that the understanding is the result of acquired knowledge.

we gather

Suggests the understanding is based on collected information.

we surmise

Implies a degree of conjecture or educated guessing.

we assume

Suggests acceptance of something as true without proof.

we expect

Expresses a prediction based on current understanding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "our understanding is" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it is our considered opinion", "we have concluded", or "our interpretation is".

What are some synonyms for "our understanding is" that imply less certainty?

If you want to convey less certainty, try using phrases like "we believe", "we assume", or "we surmise".

Is "our understanding is" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "our understanding is" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when presenting a shared interpretation of data or research. However, ensure that the interpretation is well-supported by evidence.

How does "our understanding is" differ from "our knowledge is"?

"Our understanding is" refers to an interpretation or comprehension of something, while "our knowledge is" refers to factual information that is known. They are not always interchangeable, as understanding involves interpretation beyond mere factual knowledge.