understand the concerns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understand the concerns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when acknowledging or empathizing with someone's worries or issues in a discussion or communication. Example: "I want to assure you that I understand the concerns you have raised regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I understand the concerns.

The New York Times

I understand the concerns about press freedom.

The Guardian

Chinese suitors in the aerospace industry understand the concerns.

The New York Times

"I understand the concerns and agree with them," Duma said.

The New York Times

"I can understand the concerns of the village.

The Guardian

I absolutely understand the concerns that people have.

The Guardian

Hall said: "I understand the concerns about this campaign.

The Guardian

I understand the concerns French officials have pointed out.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I can understand the concerns of officers," he said.

The Guardian

We want to understand the concerns of pharmacists.

The New York Times

Q: Do you understand the concerns about terrorists being able to access this?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understand the concerns", be specific about which concerns you are addressing to show genuine comprehension and empathy. For example, "I understand the concerns about the project's budget and timeline."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I understand the concerns" without specifying what those concerns are. This can come across as insincere and may not reassure the person expressing them. Provide detail to demonstrate your understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understand the concerns" functions as a declarative expression used to convey comprehension and empathy towards specific worries or issues. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "understand the concerns" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression for conveying comprehension and empathy. As noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal business settings. The phrase aims to build rapport and reassure others that their worries are heard and acknowledged. To use the phrase effectively, be specific about the concerns you are addressing to show genuine understanding and avoid vague statements that may sound insincere. Alternative phrases such as "appreciate the worries" or "recognize the anxieties" can be used to add nuance or formality to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize the anxieties

Highlights acknowledgement of anxieties, focusing on the emotional aspect of the concerns.

appreciate the worries

Emphasizes valuing and acknowledging the worries, suggesting a slightly more personal connection.

acknowledge the fears

Emphasizes explicit recognition of the fears, making them openly addressed in a discussion.

grasp the issues

Focuses on comprehending the problems or difficulties at hand, offering a more direct approach.

be aware of the apprehensions

Highlights consciousness of anxieties or fears, focusing on emotional anticipation of potential problems.

comprehend the misgivings

Stresses understanding the feelings of doubt or apprehension, suitable in more formal contexts.

be sensitive to the unease

Focuses on being attuned to feelings of discomfort or anxiety, suitable in interpersonal or community relations.

perceive the reservations

Implies sensing underlying doubts or hesitations, useful in negotiations or sensitive discussions.

take on board the objections

Indicates absorbing and considering the objections, suggesting a willingness to address concerns seriously.

get the picture regarding the trepidation

Implies obtaining a full understanding of the fear or apprehension, using a more figurative expression.

FAQs

What does it mean to "understand the concerns"?

To "understand the concerns" means to fully comprehend and acknowledge the worries, anxieties, or issues that someone is expressing. It indicates empathy and a grasp of the specific problems being raised.

How can I demonstrate that I genuinely "understand the concerns"?

You can demonstrate that you genuinely "understand the concerns" by actively listening, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing the issues back to the person expressing them. Showing empathy and offering potential solutions can further reinforce your understanding.

What are some alternative ways to express that I "understand the concerns"?

You can use alternatives like "appreciate the worries", "recognize the anxieties", or "grasp the issues" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "I understand the concerns" or "I am aware of the concerns"?

While both phrases acknowledge the issues, "I understand the concerns" implies a deeper comprehension and empathy than "I am aware of the concerns", which simply suggests knowledge of the issues. The choice depends on the level of understanding and empathy you wish to convey.