please be understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

'Please be understanding' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of situations to politely ask someone to show empathy or understanding. For instance, you could use the phrase after asking for a favor from a friend; "I know this is a big ask, but could you help me out? Please be understanding if you can't help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He finished the post by asking readers to understand paedophiles' urges: "Please, be understanding and supportive," he wrote".

Independent

"It pushed my entire business back five days, and I've been begging and pleading with my customers to please be understanding," he said.

The New York Times

… Please be understanding and give us some time.

The New York Times

This is not a fun thing for your bird; please be understanding.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

How do I deal with this? (Nina, son aged 6) And we have got these … Because I am a member of the National Autistic Society, so we have these little cards that I got on the website and it explains about it says this young person has autism and explains that there could be little outbursts and please be patient and understanding with us, you know.

Health and Place

Some girls are really emotional so be on the look out, but if you hadn't noticed before that's pretty typical, so please try to be understanding!

WikiHow

By Alfred Kazin and Philip Hamburger The New Yorker, September 2, 1974 P. 24 Overheard outside a cottage near the dunes in Well-fleet, middle-aged woman to nearby group of noisy small fry: "Children please be quiet and understanding and play elsewhere.

The New Yorker

Overheard outside a cottage near the dunes in Well-fleet, middle-aged woman to nearby group of noisy small fry: "Children please be quiet and understanding and play elsewhere.

The New Yorker

Overheard outside a cottage near the dunes in Well-fleet, middle-aged woman to nearby group of noisy small fry: "Children please be quiet and understanding and… A BROOKLYN CHILDHOOD.

The New Yorker

Please try your very best to be understanding.

Huffington Post

They must also be understanding.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please be understanding", provide context to help the other person grasp the situation. This demonstrates transparency and helps them empathize.

Common error

Avoid using "please be understanding" too frequently, as it can lose its impact and may come across as insincere. Instead, vary your language with phrases like "I hope you can appreciate" or "I would appreciate your patience".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please be understanding" functions as a polite imperative, directly requesting the listener or reader to adopt a state of empathy and consideration. As Ludwig AI underlines, this expression serves to soften requests or preempt potential frustrations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "please be understanding" is a polite request for empathy and patience, often used when conveying potentially inconvenient or difficult information. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. While it appears across various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news, wikis, and general media. To prevent overuse, consider alternatives such as "please show compassion" or "I hope you can understand" to maintain sincerity and impact. Remembering that the phrase functions as an imperative, directly asking for empathy, is key to using it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please show compassion

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of understanding, focusing on empathy and care.

please be patient with me

Focuses specifically on requesting patience, often implying a temporary situation requiring tolerance.

please try to empathize

Directly asks for an effort to understand someone else's feelings or perspective.

please consider my perspective

Highlights the importance of taking one's viewpoint into account.

i hope you can understand

Shifts the focus to expressing a hope or expectation of understanding, rather than a direct request.

i ask for your indulgence

A more formal way of requesting leniency and understanding, suitable for situations where politeness is paramount.

bear with me, please

Requests patience and tolerance during a difficult or trying situation.

i hope you'll be considerate

Emphasizes the need for thoughtfulness and awareness of others' feelings.

be lenient, please

Asks for a relaxed or forgiving approach, especially in judgment or expectations.

view this with an open mind

Encourages impartiality and a willingness to consider new ideas or perspectives.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to be understanding?

You can use phrases like "please be understanding", "please be patient", or "I hope you can understand" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to ask someone to "please be understanding"?

Asking someone to "please be understanding" means you are requesting them to show empathy, patience, and consideration, especially in a situation where things might not be ideal or go as planned.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "please be understanding"?

It's appropriate to use "please be understanding" when you anticipate causing someone inconvenience, when explaining a delay or problem, or when asking for a favor that requires extra effort from them.

Are there alternative ways to say "please be understanding" that sound more formal?

Yes, in more formal settings, you could say "I ask for your indulgence", "your understanding is appreciated", or "we appreciate your patience".