please understand.

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please understand." is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to ask someone to grasp or acknowledge a particular point or situation. Example: "I know this is a difficult decision, but please understand that we are doing what is best for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Please understand.

The New York Times

Sorry and please understand.

The New Yorker

"Please understand," she said.

The New York Times

So please — understand me.

The New Yorker

Please understand Japanese culture".

The Guardian - Music

Please understand this.

The Guardian

"Please understand the context.

The New Yorker

Please understand, it's not intentional.

The New York Times

That's the Brooklyn Dodgers, please understand.

The New York Times

Now I believed, please understand, in openness.

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please understand." when you need the listener or reader to acknowledge a potentially difficult or sensitive point. It's suitable in situations where empathy is needed.

Common error

Avoid overuse; repeated use of "please understand." can come across as condescending or insincere. Vary your language to maintain a respectful and understanding tone. Alternatives are: "I hope you understand", "it's important to understand" or "bear in mind".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please understand." functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to comprehend a given situation or viewpoint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it seeks to elicit empathy or acknowledgment, often in potentially sensitive contexts. It is frequently used in News & Media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please understand." is a common and grammatically correct way to ask for comprehension or empathy. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in news and media contexts to convey potentially difficult information. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse that could be perceived as condescending. Alternatives like "i hope you understand" or "take into account" can help vary your language and maintain a respectful tone. Remember that context matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i hope you understand

This is a more gentle and less direct way of asking for understanding.

i hope you can appreciate

This phrase implies that the listener may not fully grasp the situation but is being asked to acknowledge it.

it's important to understand

This highlights the significance of the information or situation.

bear in mind

A more concise way to ask someone to consider something.

take into account

Similar to 'bear in mind', but slightly more formal.

consider this

Directly asks the listener to think about a specific point.

recognize that

Emphasizes the need to acknowledge a certain fact or situation.

it is crucial to realize

Highlights the critical nature of understanding something.

i need you to understand

A more forceful way to express the need for understanding.

grasp this

A direct and somewhat demanding way of asking for comprehension.

FAQs

How to use "please understand." in a sentence?

You can use "please understand." to politely ask someone to consider your perspective or a difficult situation. For example, "I know this is frustrating, but "please understand" that we're doing our best."

What can I say instead of "please understand."?

You can use alternatives like "i hope you understand", "bear in mind", or "take into account" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "please understand."?

"Please understand." is appropriate when you need to convey a potentially difficult or sensitive point and want the other person to grasp the situation with empathy. However, ensure that you are not being condescending or insincere.

What's the difference between "please understand." and "i hope you understand"?

"Please understand." is a more direct request for comprehension, while "i hope you understand" is a softer, less demanding way of asking for understanding. The latter is often used to sound less forceful and more empathetic.