so please understand

USAGE SUMMARY

"so please understand" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used as a concluding statement in a request or explanation, to emphasize the importance of the message and to politely ask for understanding from the reader. Example: "I am currently facing some personal troubles, so please understand if I am not able to meet the deadline for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

So please — understand me.

The New Yorker

So please understand that when I say this, I say it with deep respect and empathy for your real-life experience: Men, you need to do more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.59pm AEST05:59 I've known the agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce for a very long time so please understand that I'm not making this observation gratuitously.

The Guardian

But a close friend, who did not want to be named, told the BBC: "She's really suffering at the moment so please understand her - she's just lost her husband".

BBC

I will make some mistakes, I know this, so please understand and accept me for just living my truth".

Huffington Post

So please understand, teachers are trying to teach you that their careers and professions are under attack.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

So delegates, please understand.

Huffington Post

Our biggest issue is: Please understand so you don't have unintended consequences.

Forbes

Having said that, though, I am not one to present a problem and not offer a solution, so here is my recommendation...and please understand that I am a heretic at heart.

Huffington Post

Ha, ha, ha! Please understand me: I'm not TRYING not to care so the noise will go away.

HuffPost

Please understand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so please understand" to politely preface an explanation or justification, particularly when delivering potentially unwelcome news or making a request that might be perceived as inconvenient. It helps soften the message and encourages empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "so please understand" repeatedly in a short span, as it can sound insincere or condescending. Vary your language to maintain a natural and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so please understand" functions as a polite request for the listener or reader to empathize with or comprehend a situation, reason, or action that has been or is about to be explained. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct part of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so please understand" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for politely requesting comprehension or empathy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While not overly formal, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, most frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing it and consider alternative expressions to maintain sincerity. Remember that the "so" implies a connection to preceding information, making the request for understanding a direct consequence of the context provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

therefore, I ask for your understanding

Formal rephrasing emphasizing the consequence and request.

thus, I hope you can understand

Uses "thus" to indicate consequence and asks for understanding.

therefore, I seek your comprehension

Replaces "understanding" with the more formal "comprehension".

in light of this, I hope you understand

Highlights that understanding should come from the information provided.

with this in mind, please understand

Emphasizes the importance of considering preceding information.

considering this, I ask for your understanding

Directly links the consideration of information with the request.

accordingly, I hope you'll understand

Uses "accordingly" to show logical connection to the request.

given the circumstances, I seek your understanding

Specifically refers to external circumstances influencing the request.

taking this into account, please understand

Calls attention to the need to consider the given details.

in view of this, I hope you'll comprehend

Formal alternative replacing "understand" with "comprehend" and using "in view of this".

FAQs

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

Use "so please understand" to politely introduce an explanation or request, particularly when you anticipate the listener or reader might be resistant or confused. For instance, "I've had to reschedule our meeting due to unforeseen circumstances, "so please understand" if I'm unable to respond to emails immediately."

What are some alternatives to "so please understand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "therefore, I ask for your understanding", "thus, I hope you can understand", or "in light of this, I hope you understand". Each option slightly alters the formality and emphasis, /s/choosing+the+right+alternative/.

Is it appropriate to use "so please understand" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "so please understand" leans toward a more conversational tone. In very formal writing, consider more direct and professional alternatives such as "your understanding in this matter is appreciated" or "we appreciate your consideration".

What's the difference between "so please understand" and "please understand"?

Adding "so" before "please understand" implies a causal relationship to a preceding statement or situation. It indicates that the understanding is requested as a direct result of the information just provided. Without "so", the request for understanding stands alone without an explicit link to prior context.