understand that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understand that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that the speaker understands a statement or set of facts. For example: "I understand that you need more time, so I'm willing to wait."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We already understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

I totally understand that.

The New York Times

I can't understand that.

The New Yorker

People can't understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

You don't understand that.

The New York Times

"He does understand that.

The New York Times

The Japanese understand that.

The New York Times

They completely understand that.

The New York Times

You wouldn't understand that.

The New Yorker

People understand that.

The Guardian

JW: I understand that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understand that" to clearly signal comprehension or agreement with a preceding statement. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures your audience knows you've grasped the information.

Common error

Avoid using "understand that" when a more specific verb would provide clarity. Instead of simply stating you "understand that" something is complex, explain how you understand the complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understand that" functions as a declarative expression indicating comprehension or acknowledgement of a statement or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to show the speaker's grasp of information, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "understand that" is a versatile expression used to convey comprehension or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Wiki contexts, the phrase exhibits a neutral register suitable for various situations. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "I realize that" or "I acknowledge that", depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use "understand that" judiciously, opting for more specific verbs when greater clarity is needed. Overall, "understand that" is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I comprehend that

Replaces "understand" with a more formal synonym, "comprehend".

I acknowledge that

Highlights the act of recognizing or admitting something to be true.

I realize that

Emphasizes the process of becoming aware or understanding something.

I am aware that

Focuses on being conscious or informed about something.

I get that

Uses a more informal term, "get", to indicate understanding.

I see that

Uses "see" metaphorically to mean understand.

It's clear to me that

Indicates that something is obvious or easily understood.

I appreciate that

Expresses understanding coupled with gratitude or recognition of value.

I take it that

Suggests an assumption or conclusion based on available information.

I'm cognizant of the fact that

Emphasizes a deep or thorough awareness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "understand that" in a sentence?

You can use "understand that" to express your comprehension of a statement or situation. For example, "I "understand that" this is a difficult decision, and I respect your choice."

What are some alternatives to saying "understand that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "I "realize that"", "I "acknowledge that"", or "I "comprehend that"" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it more formal to say "comprehend that" instead of "understand that"?

"Comprehend that" is generally considered more formal than ""understand that"". Use "comprehend" in professional or academic settings where a higher level of formality is appropriate.

What's the difference between "I understand that" and "I understand why"?

"I "understand that"" signifies comprehension of a stated fact or situation. "I understand why" indicates comprehension of the reasons or motivations behind something. The former is about grasping what is, while the latter is about grasping why it is.