please try to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please try to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to make an effort to comprehend a situation or perspective. Example: "I know this is a difficult topic, but please try to understand my point of view."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Please try to understand," she told them.

The New York Times

"Please try to understand," he said.

The New York Times

"I've been driving this cab for only one and one-half weeks, but please try to understand.

The New York Times

Please try to understand, Sam, after what Charles Wang and C.A. have done for me, I simply will not act otherwise".

The New York Times

If you communicate your concerns, I am both capable and happy to help find a solution, but please try to understand what is and isn't within a server's control.

The Guardian - Opinion

Please try to understand that this is an informal meetup not a conference.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Please try to forgive me.

The New York Times

So please try to be more original".

The New York Times

Please try to get some rest".

The New York Times

"Tell Sam, 'Please, please, please try to stop me,'" Baen said.

The New Yorker

Please try to keep Jay Cutler alive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please try to understand", be sure to clearly articulate the point you want the other person to grasp. Providing context and reasons makes it easier for them to comprehend your perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "please try to understand" as a conversation ender without providing sufficient explanation. This can leave the other person feeling dismissed or unheard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please try to understand" functions as a polite request or plea for comprehension or empathy. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to encourage someone to consider a particular viewpoint or situation with understanding. This can be observed in various contexts, from personal explanations to professional justifications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please try to understand" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered expression used to politely request comprehension or empathy. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's commonly employed to bridge gaps in understanding across various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While alternatives like "I hope you can understand" exist, "please try to understand" strikes a balance between formality and directness, making it widely applicable. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to facilitate genuine comprehension, as assuming understanding can lead to miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hope you can understand

This alternative is a slightly less direct way of asking for understanding, phrasing it as a hope rather than a request.

I hope you understand

This alternative is even more direct and simple way of asking for understanding, phrasing it as a hope rather than a request.

Please make an effort to understand

This alternative emphasizes the effort required to comprehend the situation.

Could you please understand

This turns the request into a question, making it a bit more polite.

I need you to understand

This alternative emphasizes the necessity of understanding.

It's important you understand

Highlights the significance of the listener's comprehension.

You must understand

This version stresses the obligation to understand something.

Bear with me

Asks for patience and understanding, often implying a complex explanation is coming.

See my point

Asks if the other person comprehends the speaker's reasoning.

Get where I'm coming from

This idiom asks if the listener understands the speaker's perspective or background.

FAQs

How can I use "please try to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "please try to understand" when you want to politely ask someone to consider your point of view, such as, "I know this is difficult, but please try to understand my decision."

What is a more direct way to say "please try to understand"?

If you want to be more direct, you could say "I need you to understand" or "you must understand", although these options are less polite.

What can I say instead of "please try to understand" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "I hope you can understand" or "please make an effort to understand" to maintain politeness and respect.

Is "please try and understand" grammatically correct, or should I use "please try to understand"?

"Please try to understand" is the standard and grammatically preferred form. While "please try and understand" might be heard in informal speech, it's better to use "please try to understand" in writing and formal situations.