understanding for

USAGE SUMMARY

"understanding for" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to express sympathy or understanding for someone else's feelings or situation. For example: Jack has been through a lot lately, so I have a great deal of understanding for his difficulties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

'I'm always searching for understanding; for people to understand me, or for me to understand them.

The Guardian

He expressed understanding for the FARC.

The New Yorker

My understanding for people is greater now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You substitute intellectual understanding for actual change".

The New York Times - Magazine

Or ordinary human understanding, for that matter?

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm very lucky my family are so understanding, for sure.

The Guardian - Sport

I have a good understanding for the game.

The New York Times - Sports

There also needs to be real understanding for the families.

The Guardian

"There's little understanding for abstract art," she said.

The New York Times

This is a complete reversal of understanding for the population.

The Guardian

Derek Baker, 46, also expressed understanding for Bishop Sisk's predicament.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understanding for" when you want to convey empathy or comprehension towards someone or something. It's particularly effective in contexts where acknowledging another's perspective is crucial for fostering positive relationships or resolving conflicts.

Common error

Avoid using "understanding for" in highly formal or technical writing where precision is paramount. In such contexts, opt for more specific terms like "comprehension of", "knowledge of", or "insight into" to avoid any ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understanding for" functions as a noun phrase often used to express empathy, comprehension, or tolerance towards a particular subject, person, or situation. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understanding for" is a versatile phrase used to express empathy, comprehension, or tolerance. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's best to consider the specific audience and context when using it, opting for more precise terms in highly formal writing. Alternatives such as "empathy towards" or "compassion for" can provide nuanced alternatives. Remember to use "understanding for" when you want to convey a sense of empathy or comprehension towards someone or something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathy towards

Emphasizes emotional connection and compassion, shifting the focus from intellectual understanding to emotional resonance.

insight into

Highlights a deeper comprehension or perception of a situation or person, focusing on the gained knowledge.

appreciation of

Conveys a sense of valuing and recognizing the worth of something, adding a positive connotation.

compassion for

Stresses a sympathetic feeling of pity and concern for the suffering of others.

tolerance of

Implies acceptance and patience towards differing views or behaviors, focusing on permissiveness.

awareness of

Focuses on being conscious or informed about something, indicating a state of knowledge.

knowledge about

Highlights factual information and understanding, shifting the focus to expertise.

regard for

Implies respect and consideration, adding a formal tone and emphasizing esteem.

sensitivity to

Emphasizes awareness of and responsiveness to the feelings or needs of others.

discernment of

Highlights the ability to judge well, adding an element of wisdom and perceptive insight.

FAQs

How can I use "understanding for" in a sentence?

You can use "understanding for" to express empathy or comprehension towards someone or something. For example, "I have a lot of "understanding for" her situation" or "The company shows little "understanding for" its employees' needs."

What are some alternatives to "understanding for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "empathy towards", "compassion for", or "insight into".

Is "understanding for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "understanding for" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express comprehension or empathy. However, ensure it fits the tone of your writing; more formal contexts might benefit from alternative phrasing.

What's the difference between "understanding for" and "understanding of"?

"Understanding for" generally implies empathy or compassion towards someone or something, while "understanding of" refers to a cognitive grasp or comprehension. For example, you might have "understanding for" someone's struggles but an "understanding of" a complex concept.