please understand this

USAGE SUMMARY

"please understand this" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to politely ask someone to comprehend or grasp a concept or idea. Here is an example: "Dear colleagues, I know this new project may seem complex, but please understand that it is crucial for our company's growth. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for your understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Please understand: THIS IS NOT RE-GIFTING.

Huffington Post

Please understand this.

The Guardian

He concluded, "Please understand this is very difficult to admit".

The New York Times

Please understand this list isn't for paid advertising.

Princeton University

Please understand, this is almost a life-or-death question for me.

The Washington Post

"Please understand, this war in Ukraine will only truly be over when people take to the streets of Moscow".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Please understand the context of this," he told the Guardian after the scandal broke.

The Guardian

"Please understand the context.

The New Yorker

I know it doesn't seem like it, but please understand that this is actually something good!" I have found this story to be helpful for explaining to people the nature of suffering.

Huffington Post

Appearing on the James Edition luxury goods website, the seller says that "we have built this insane vehicle to be street legal however please understand that this is not a daily driver!" Its spec includes four 44-inch tyres with custom rims, a stereo with Bluetooth and iPod integration as well as a CD/DVD player, and five driver assist cameras for those tricky supermarket parking spaces.

The Guardian - Film

While this is an example of what not to do, please understand that this is not to make fun of anyone's art skill.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please understand this" when you want to politely but firmly emphasize the importance of a particular piece of information or perspective to your audience. It is useful in situations where misunderstanding could lead to negative consequences.

Common error

While useful, overuse of "please understand this" can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Try to vary your phrasing to keep the tone engaging and respectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please understand this" functions primarily as an imperative, directly urging the listener or reader to comprehend a specific point. Ludwig AI examples confirm this directive usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please understand this" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular point and ensure comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an imperative, urging the audience to grasp specific information. It's primarily found in neutral to formal contexts like news articles and academic papers, though overuse should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "kindly consider this" for more formal situations or "take note of this" when comprehension is less crucial. While the phrase is generally useful, it's important to be mindful of the tone it conveys and adjust your language accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly consider this

Replaces "please understand" with the more formal "kindly consider", altering the tone slightly.

bear this in mind

Shifts from a direct request for understanding to an encouragement to remember something.

take note of this

Emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the information provided.

it's important to realize

Focuses on highlighting the significance of understanding a specific point.

you should know that

Introduces a piece of information the speaker believes the listener needs to comprehend.

it's crucial to grasp that

Highlights the essential nature of the information being conveyed.

I need you to understand

Makes the speaker's need for understanding explicit.

consider the following

Directs attention towards information that should be contemplated.

be aware of this fact

Emphasizes acknowledgement and consciousness of a specific detail.

don't forget this

Serves as a reminder of something important to remember.

FAQs

How can I use "please understand this" in a sentence?

You can use "please understand this" to emphasize a crucial point you want your audience to grasp. For example, "Before making a decision, "please understand this": the risks involved are significant".

What's a more formal way to say "please understand this"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "kindly consider this" or "it's important to realize". These options maintain politeness while sounding more professional.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "please understand this"?

Using "please understand this" can be perceived as condescending if not delivered carefully. Avoid using it in situations where you're speaking to someone with more expertise or authority than yourself, unless the context clearly warrants it.

What's the difference between "please understand this" and "take note of this"?

"Please understand this" requests comprehension, while "take note of this" simply directs attention. The former seeks deeper insight, while the latter highlights importance without necessarily implying a need for full understanding.