to be understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the quality of being empathetic or compassionate towards others' feelings or situations. Example: "In difficult times, it is important to be understanding and supportive of one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are meant to be understanding.

The New York Times - Magazine

Nobody seemed to be understanding Mahler's irony.

The New York Times - Arts

And so he is inclined to be understanding.

The New York Times

Another, particularly in a recession, is to be understanding.

The New York Times

Her strategy: "I just try to be understanding and not to get defensive".

The New York Times

Yet recently, Mr. Mullican said, "people finally seem to be understanding what I'm up to".

The New York Times - Arts

An HMRC spokesman said the organisation would do its best to be understanding.

The Guardian

With two sons of her own, she tries to be understanding.

The New York Times

Now, Jersey insurance companies seem to be understanding for the moment, he said.

The Economist

Mr. Chiles's relatives, who have no formal control over the endowment, say they have tried to be understanding.

The New York Times

Mitchell L. Moss, a New York University professor and partisan for all things New York, tries to be understanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact of "to be understanding", actively listen and acknowledge the other person's feelings before expressing your viewpoint. This validates their experience and fosters open communication.

Common error

Avoid simply nodding along or agreeing without genuinely processing and empathizing with the speaker's perspective. True understanding requires active engagement, not just passive agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be understanding" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a predicate adjective describing a desired quality or state. It emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in interpersonal interactions, as highlighted by Ludwig in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

30%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be understanding" serves as a call for empathy and compassion, urging individuals to approach interactions with consideration for others' perspectives. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. To enhance writing, remember that true understanding involves active engagement and genuine empathy, not just passive agreement. By incorporating these principles, you can use "to be understanding" effectively to promote harmonious and supportive relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to show compassion

Focuses on the act of demonstrating empathy and care.

to demonstrate empathy

Highlights the ability to share and understand the feelings of another.

to exercise tolerance

Emphasizes the practice of accepting differing views or behaviors.

to display consideration

Stresses thoughtfulness and attentiveness to others' needs.

to be patient

Highlights the capacity to endure delays or suffering without complaint, often implying an understanding of the situation.

to maintain composure

Focuses on remaining calm and collected, often in challenging situations.

to take a broad view

Suggests considering a situation from multiple perspectives to achieve comprehensive understanding.

to appreciate diversity

Focuses on valuing and respecting the differences among people and perspectives.

to meet halfway

Emphasizes the act of compromising and finding common ground in a disagreement.

to see the other side

Highlights the ability to understand and appreciate someone else's viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I use "to be understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "to be understanding" to express the importance of empathy and compassion in various situations. For example, "It's crucial "to be understanding" of others' struggles during challenging times."

What are some alternatives to "to be understanding"?

Alternatives include "to show compassion", "to demonstrate empathy", or "to exercise tolerance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be understanding" or "to understand"?

"To understand" generally refers to the act of comprehension, while "to be understanding" implies a state of empathy and consideration for others. The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.

What does it mean to cultivate the quality "to be understanding"?

Cultivating the quality "to be understanding" means actively working on improving your ability to empathize with others, consider different perspectives, and respond with compassion and support.