understands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone's comprehension or grasp of a concept, idea, or situation. Example: "She understands the complexities of the project and is ready to tackle the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is important that sport understands and is sensitive to the potential impacts of the menstrual cycle for female athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

Too many in Labour are looking back on Tony Blair's time in office with "rose-tinted glasses" and claiming pejoratively that the party no longer understands aspiration, Sadiq Khan, one of the party's London mayoral hopefuls, has said.

The Guardian

As the chairman of a well-regarded arts organisation that lost its state funding in the past 12 months, the musician understands where the money is coming from: state cuts in the arts.

The Guardian - Music

She never quite understands what is going on between Mounir and André but she knows that André has full control.

The Guardian - Film

(The man, the Guardian understands, wishes to be anonymous; his current attorney declined to confirm Solowiej's account).

The Guardian

The Guardian understands that counter-terrorism officials believe around 20 people were involved, from those associated with the bombers to those who helped them plan the attacks.

The Guardian

Guardian Australia understands that on Wednesday morning a 24-year-old woman who had been under observation at the weekend jumped off the roof of the Christmas Island detention centre.

The Guardian

Having once been the team doctor of the Antrim Hurling team he understands the need to get in hard and dirty, and to try to score some points by any means necessary.

The Guardian

"If we can create a platform that understands the main interests of consumers – such as films, food, clothing brands – then local retailers can send out targeted messages to people's mobile phones as they walk past," he says.

The Guardian

"It shows how nervous they are of a Labour campaign full of confidence, which is showing that it understands the challenges facing working people and how to overcome them.

The Guardian

Guardian Australia understands that one of the other reports referred to the AFP by Pezzullo concerned the vessel holding 157 asylum seekers that was diverted to the Cocos islands in July.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's understanding, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Understands" is a general term, but synonyms like "grasps" or "appreciates" can add depth.

Common error

While "understands" is generally acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "comprehends" or "perceives" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "understands" is as a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates that a subject has comprehension or awareness of something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Politics

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understands" is a versatile and commonly used verb that signifies comprehension or awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate in various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, choosing synonyms like "comprehends" or "grasps" can enrich your writing and better convey specific nuances. Its frequency across diverse sources, especially in news and media, underscores its relevance in contemporary communication. When aiming for precision, carefully consider the level of formality and the specific type of understanding you wish to convey. Also it's important to remember that although 'understands' is generally acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehends

A more formal synonym for "understands", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

grasps

Implies a firm hold on an idea or concept; suggests a deeper understanding.

perceives

Focuses on the process of becoming aware or understanding through the senses or intellect.

appreciates

Indicates an understanding coupled with a sense of value or importance.

is aware of

A more general way to express knowledge or understanding of something.

is cognizant of

A formal term for being aware, often used in legal or official contexts.

is conscious of

Highlights the state of being aware or mindful of something.

makes sense of

Emphasizes the process of interpreting and understanding something complex or confusing.

has insight into

Suggests a deeper understanding of a situation or problem, often implying intuition.

is attuned to

Implies a sensitivity and understanding of subtle cues or nuances.

FAQs

How can I use "understands" in a sentence?

You can use "understands" to describe someone's comprehension of a concept, situation, or instruction. For example, "The student understands the lesson well" or "She understands the importance of teamwork".

What's the difference between "understands" and "knows"?

"Understands" implies a deeper level of comprehension than "knows". You might know a fact, but you understand its implications and context. Understanding goes beyond simple awareness.

What can I say instead of "understands"?

You can use alternatives like "comprehends", "grasps", or "appreciates" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "understands" formal or informal?

"Understands" is generally considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, "comprehends" might be preferred.