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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
this understands that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "this understands that" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that a subject or entity has comprehension or awareness of something, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "The report indicates that this understands that the project timeline has changed."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
This understands that peace on earth is a political statement, rather than generalised sentimental benevolence.
News & Media
"Anyone who knows Wilder and who has listened to him about this understands that he cares about this," Mr. Sabato said of the museum plan.
News & Media
This understands that a given symmetric mean could have more one weighted mean.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
"The people who did this understood that these kind of things affected prisoners.
News & Media
How is all this helping understand that?
News & Media
And this government doesn't understand that".
News & Media
This camp, the people here, understand that".
News & Media
I would hope that this administration understands that this is not a game.
News & Media
Everyone who plays this game understands that.
News & Media
"I think everyone in this clubhouse understands that.
News & Media
"This new management understands that the consumer drives everything.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using "this understands that" in formal writing. Opt for more standard and grammatically correct alternatives such as "this recognizes that" or "it is understood that".
Common error
Be careful when using "understand" to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts. It is better to use a verb that conveys recognition, implication or acknowledgement in these situations.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "this understands that" attempts to attribute comprehension or awareness to a subject. According to Ludwig, this construction is not considered correct in standard written English. Alternatives like "this recognizes that" are preferred.
Frequent in
News & Media
66%
Science
33%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "this understands that" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Ludwig indicates that standard alternatives, such as "this recognizes that" or "it is understood that", are preferred. Although the phrase appears in some news and media sources, its infrequent usage and grammatical issues make it a less desirable option. When you mean for something to comprehend or be aware of a fact, opt for clearer and more accepted language.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
this recognizes that
Replaces "understands" with a more formal and grammatically sound synonym, "recognizes".
this acknowledges that
Similar to "recognizes", "acknowledges" provides a more formal and acceptable alternative to "understands".
this implies that
Shifts the focus from direct understanding to indirect suggestion or indication.
this suggests that
Similar to "implies", "suggests" indicates a less direct form of communication or understanding.
it is understood that
Changes the sentence structure to use a passive voice, making the phrase grammatically correct.
this takes into account that
Emphasizes that something is being considered or factored in.
this is predicated on the idea that
Indicates that something is based on a particular assumption or belief.
this stems from the realization that
Highlights the origin of an understanding or realization.
this operates under the assumption that
Specifies that the action relies on a particular assumption.
this is built upon the premise that
Highlights that the base is a premise.
FAQs
Is "this understands that" grammatically correct?
No, the phrase "this understands that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "this recognizes that" or "it is understood that".
What are some alternatives to "this understands that"?
Several alternatives exist, depending on the intended meaning. Some options include "this acknowledges that", "this implies that", or "this suggests that".
When is it appropriate to use "this understands that"?
Given that the phrase "this understands that" is generally grammatically incorrect, it's best to avoid it in both formal and informal writing. Opt for a more grammatically sound alternative.
What's the difference between "this understands that" and "this recognizes that"?
While both phrases aim to convey comprehension, "this understands that" is not considered standard English. "This recognizes that" is a grammatically correct and more formal way to express a similar idea.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested