very understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

"very understanding of" can be used in written English.
Example sentence: My boss is very understanding of my need to take extra time off work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's very understanding of her, I say.

The Guardian - Sport

"Jaye is very understanding of the whole situation," Maddon said.

The New York Times

"People are very understanding of the position we are in.

The Guardian

10. "I'm very, very understanding of where they're coming from".

The New York Times

Sam's people were very understanding of our predicament and we easily came to an agreement.

The Guardian - Music

"Well, I think that I'm very understanding of the position he found himself in," she said.

The New Yorker

It embodies our very understanding of the book in 17 wonderful days in August.

The Guardian - Books

By many accounts, he is a major source of modernity's very understanding of the self.

The New York Times

Public history has the power to affect our very understanding of reality.

The New York Times

My recent visits to private schools have me questioning my very understanding of the term "teaching".

The Telegraph

"I'm very understanding of youngsters, that's not true — I think," Mr. Broderick said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very understanding of" to show appreciation for someone who accommodates your needs or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "very understanding of" when you mean to convey agreement. Understanding doesn't necessarily imply concurrence; it signifies comprehension and empathy, not always acceptance or endorsement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very understanding of" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's capacity for empathy, tolerance, and comprehension. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

23%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very understanding of" is a versatile and frequently used adjectival phrase to describe someone's capacity for empathy and comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, including news, academic, and scientific domains. When writing, use "very understanding of" to highlight positive character traits and convey appreciation, but avoid misusing it as a direct synonym for “agreeing”. Remember that alternatives like "highly empathetic towards" or "genuinely sympathetic to" can offer nuanced expressions of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly empathetic towards

Emphasizes emotional connection and sensitivity.

very appreciative of

Highlights the recognition and gratitude towards something or someone.

genuinely sympathetic to

Focuses on expressing heartfelt compassion.

extremely perceptive about

Highlights keen awareness and insight into a situation.

incredibly mindful of

Stresses attentiveness and careful consideration.

particularly appreciative of

Highlights valuing and recognizing someone's efforts or situation.

exceptionally insightful regarding

Highlights possessing unusual depth and clarity in understanding.

deeply cognizant of

Stresses awareness and knowledge of a particular issue.

considerably aware of

Focuses on a high level of consciousness and acknowledgement.

remarkably tolerant of

Emphasizes acceptance and patience towards something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "very understanding of" in a sentence?

You can use "very understanding of" to describe someone's ability to empathize with and accept a situation or another person's feelings. For example, "My boss is "very understanding of" my family commitments".

What are some alternatives to "very understanding of"?

Alternatives include "highly empathetic towards", "genuinely sympathetic to", or "extremely perceptive about" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "very understanding to" instead of "very understanding of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "very understanding" in this context is "of". Saying "very understanding to" is grammatically incorrect.

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

"Understanding of" implies a deeper comprehension and empathy, while "knowledge of" simply means being aware of facts or information. You can have "knowledge of" a subject without necessarily having an "understanding of" it.