they understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a group of people has comprehended or grasped a concept or situation. Example: "After the presentation, they understand the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They understand colors.

The New Yorker

"I hope they understand".

The New York Times

"They understand the purpose".

The New York Times - Sports

"They understand," she said.

The New York Times

"They understand Medicare.

The New York Times

"They understand the need".

The New York Times

Would they understand it?

The New York Times - Books

"They understand him everywhere.

The New Yorker

But they understand it.

The New York Times

When will they understand?

The New Yorker

But they understand food".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they understand" when you want to indicate that a group of people has grasped a concept, situation, or the implications of something. It is generally suitable for most contexts.

Common error

While "they understand" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very formal writing. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "they comprehend" or "they are cognizant" in those instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they understand" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that a group of individuals possesses comprehension or knowledge of a particular subject or situation. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Sports

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they understand" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a group of people comprehends something. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability, noting its prevalence in news, sports, and general conversation. While versatile, more formal synonyms like "they comprehend" may be suitable for specific contexts. Ludwig examples illustrate various uses, and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase. When writing, remember that while widely acceptable, overuse should be avoided by using more sophisticated synonyms in very formal contexts to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they comprehend

Uses a more formal synonym for "understand".

they grasp

Implies a firm understanding, perhaps after some initial difficulty.

they realize

Focuses on becoming aware of something, often a fact or situation.

they are aware

Highlights their knowledge or consciousness of something.

they are cognizant

A more formal way of saying they are aware, often used in professional contexts.

they perceive

Emphasizes their interpretation or impression of something.

it is clear to them

Shifts the focus to the clarity of the information rather than their ability to understand.

they have knowledge of

Highlights the possession of information or understanding.

they appreciate

Suggests a deeper level of understanding that includes valuing or recognizing the importance of something.

they get the picture

A more informal way of saying they understand the overall situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "they understand"?

You can use alternatives like "they comprehend", "they grasp", or "they realize" depending on the context.

Is "they understand" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives such as "they comprehend" or "they are cognizant" for a more sophisticated tone.

How can I emphasize the depth of understanding when using "they understand"?

You can use phrases like "they fully understand" or "they appreciate" to convey a deeper or more nuanced understanding.

What's the difference between "they understand" and "they are aware"?

"They understand" implies comprehension, while "they are aware" simply means they have knowledge or consciousness of something, but not necessarily complete comprehension.