understandably

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "understandably" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adverb that is used to describe an action or emotion that is understandable given the circumstances. Example sentence: Given the current global pandemic, parents are understandably concerned about the safety of their children.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the other hand, John Prescott - feeling understandably bitter at the treatment that he has received from a snobbish press - has spoken about "putting the record straight".

The Guardian - Opinion

Understandably they have little sympathy for the Greeks, especially since five years later the crisis remains unresolved.

The Guardian - Business

It has led, perhaps understandably, to a quiet sense of glee from Labour, the party with most to fear from the Green resurgence.

The Guardian

After confidently yelling "Aisuluu" she finally stopped and, understandably, waited for the question.

The Guardian - Sport

When it was mooted to the SNP's Nicola Sturgeon last month that Scotland win full budgetary independence – with no London subvention – she understandably blanched.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's understandably well down on The Inbetweeners Movie's debut of £13.22m including previews of £4.57m back in August 2011.

The Guardian - Film

Before Coachella Yannis told one music magazine that he was "bored of seeing some dude from the 90s headline [festivals], it means nothing to me", which was understandably read as a dig at Coachella headliners the Stone Roses.

The Guardian - Music

This unstable policy environment has had a clear impact on major technology innovators, developers and financiers, who will understandably be questioning their future in Australia".

The Guardian

1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra 11am: Sculpture at the National Gallery of Australia By all means, take a quick tour of the gallery itself (the works by Pollock, Bacon and Hockney are stellar, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection is, understandably, the best in the world), but save some time for the secluded sculpture garden, which most visitors skip over.

The Guardian - Travel

Media analyst Ethan Zuckerman said that the president is "understandably wary of discussing Boko Haram, as it reminds voters that the conflict has erupted under his management and that his government has been unable to subdue the terror group".

The Guardian

Understandably perhaps, certain adjustments were necessary for Frank, the movie.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understandably" to provide context for actions or emotions, helping readers grasp motivations or reactions without extensive explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "understandably" excessively in a single piece of writing; it can make the writing sound repetitive. Strive for variety in expressing reasons and justifications.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "understandably" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action, state, or feeling is easily comprehended or justified, aligning with Ludwig AI's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "understandably" is a versatile term used to convey that something is easily comprehended or justified. As analyzed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly within "news and media". To enhance writing, use "understandably" to provide context and justification, but be mindful of overuse. Consider related phrases like "not surprisingly" or "it stands to reason" for variety. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively integrate the word "understandably" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stands to reason

This alternative implies that the reason or action is logical and evident.

it is only natural

This emphasizes that something is expected given the circumstances.

not surprisingly

This suggests an expected outcome based on prior knowledge or circumstances.

it's to be expected

This emphasizes the predictability of an event or feeling.

as might be expected

This indicates something aligns with typical expectations.

it is easily understood

This highlights the simplicity and clarity of the situation or action.

it's easy to see why

This phrase indicates that the reason is obvious and apparent.

for obvious reasons

This directly states that there are clear, evident motivations.

logically speaking

This emphasizes the rational or reasonable aspect of the situation.

given the circumstances

This alternative focuses on the specific conditions that make something understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "understandably" in a sentence?

You can use "understandably" to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating that something is easily understood or justified given the circumstances. For example, "She was "understandably upset" after losing her job."

What are some alternatives to the word "understandably"?

Alternatives to "understandably" include "naturally", "unsurprisingly", or "logically". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "understandably so"?

Yes, "understandably so" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It serves as a concise way to emphasize that something is understandable given the preceding context. For instance, "He was exhausted after the marathon, and "understandably so"."

What's the difference between "understandably" and "understandable"?

"Understandably" is an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb. "Understandable" is an adjective, describing a noun. For example: "His reaction was "understandable" (adjective)." "He reacted "understandably" (adverb)."