try to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Try to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to try and understand a particular concept, idea, or feeling. For example, "I know it's hard to grasp, but try to understand why I had to make this choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't try to understand.

The New Yorker

Try to understand, Nachman.

The New Yorker

I try to understand motivation.

The New Yorker

Please stay?" "Try to understand".

The New Yorker

Try to understand the failure.

The New Yorker

One should try to understand".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I try to understand it".

The New York Times - Books

My colleagues try to understand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Try to understand my skepticism.

The New Yorker

Mitt would try to understand.

The New Yorker

I will try to understand.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to understand" to encourage empathy or consideration of a different perspective. It's useful in situations where clarity or agreement is needed.

Common error

While "try to understand" is useful, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "consider", "comprehend", or "appreciate" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to understand" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to make an effort toward comprehension. Ludwig examples show it used to encourage empathy, problem-solving, and acceptance of diverse perspectives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "try to understand" is a versatile imperative used to encourage empathy, facilitate comprehension, and promote consideration of diverse perspectives. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts. While versatile, varying your word choice with synonyms like "consider" or "comprehend" can help prevent overuse. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an effort to understand

Emphasizes the effort required to achieve understanding.

endeavor to comprehend

Implies a more formal and thorough attempt at understanding.

seek to grasp

Focuses on the act of seizing or capturing an understanding.

attempt to fathom

Suggests trying to understand something complex or mysterious.

strive to perceive

Highlights the effort to become aware or conscious of something.

put yourself in their shoes

Emphasizes empathy and understanding from another's perspective.

see things from their point of view

Focuses on considering another's perspective.

get where they're coming from

An informal way of saying 'understand their perspective'.

appreciate the situation

Suggests understanding and valuing the circumstances.

be understanding of

Focuses on displaying empathy and tolerance.

FAQs

How can I use "try to understand" in a sentence?

Use "try to understand" to encourage someone to consider a perspective, concept, or feeling. For example, "Before you judge, "try to understand" the situation."

What are some alternatives to "try to understand"?

You can use alternatives such as "attempt to comprehend", "make an effort to understand", or "seek to grasp" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "try to understand"?

It's appropriate when you want to encourage someone to empathize, consider a different viewpoint, or grasp a complex idea. It suggests a need for comprehension.

Is "try to understand" formal or informal?

The phrase ""try to understand"" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives exist.