try to be understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to be understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are encouraging someone to make an effort to be understanding, such as in a situation where there is a misunderstanding or disagreement. For example: "I know there was a misunderstanding, but try to be understanding and I'm sure we can work it out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The selected items were "When my friends know that something is bothering me, they ask me about it," "I tell my friends about my problems and troubles," "My friends help me to understand myself better," and "When I am angry about something, my friends try to be understanding".

Archives of Sexual Behavior

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

The New York Times

AS a patriotic American in these difficult times, I try to be understanding at airport security stations when I am patted down, stroked, poked, prodded and frisked by a stern-looking fellow in a cranberry blazer holding a magnetic wand.

The New York Times - Travel

With at least 300 people of Middle Eastern background wanted for questioning in the terror investigation, he said, people thought to resemble specific suspects could end up being stopped by a law enforcement officer and should try to be understanding.

The New York Times

While most of the games work pretty well, you don't have to look hard to find bugs — but considering that they've managed to pull off the voodoo that is getting thousands of 20+ year old games to (mostly) work in your browser, lets try to be understanding.

TechCrunch

I try to be understanding and supportive all while holding back a lump in my throat.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

When Hal was born, we knew Georgia was unsettled by the changes that had taken place in her life and routine, and we all tried to be understanding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She was trying to be understanding, trying to make small talk so as not to start in on him before they could both have a minute to calm themselves, so he just came out and said, "He had this spot of ash on his forehead.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice, use "try to be understanding" to encourage empathy and patience. It softens the direction and makes it more palatable to the recipient.

Common error

Avoid overusing "try to be understanding" as a quick fix to complex issues. True understanding requires active listening and a willingness to learn, not just a superficial attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to be understanding" functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a mindset of empathy and consideration. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its use across different contexts as a direct request or suggestion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

31%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to be understanding" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to encourage empathy and consideration in various situations. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and broad applicability. It is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, reflecting its utility in offering advice and mediating perspectives. When using this phrase, remember to foster genuine comprehension rather than simply paying lip service to the idea of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more understanding

Suggests an action of improving existing capacity to comprehend.

make an effort to understand

Stresses the active attempt to gain understanding.

seek to understand

Implies a proactive search for comprehension.

strive for understanding

Emphasizes a continuous effort to understand.

work towards understanding

Suggests a process involving continuous effort.

endeavor to be empathetic

Highlights the emotional aspect of understanding someone's feelings.

try to empathize

Focuses specifically on emotional resonance.

aim for comprehension

Highlights the goal-oriented nature of understanding.

attempt to comprehend

Focuses on the cognitive act of grasping meaning.

cultivate understanding

Emphasizes developing a deeper, more ingrained understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to be understanding" to encourage someone to show empathy, as in "I know you're frustrated, but try to be understanding of their situation".

What's a more formal way to say "try to be understanding"?

In formal settings, you might say "endeavor to be empathetic" or "strive for understanding". A phrase like "strive for understanding" conveys a similar meaning with increased formality.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "try to be understanding"?

It's appropriate when someone is reacting negatively to a situation they don't fully grasp. Encourage them to consider other perspectives and "make an effort to understand" the other side.

What if someone refuses to "try to be understanding"?

If someone is unwilling to try to understand, it may indicate a lack of empathy or unwillingness to compromise. You might need to reassess your expectations or disengage from the situation.