we already understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we already understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that the speaker and listener have a shared comprehension of a topic or situation. Example: "After discussing the main points, it's clear that we already understand the implications of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"We already understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

It leans on structures that we already understand, but that we're moving away from.

The New Yorker

She won't waste our time on what, she assumes, we already understand.

The New Yorker

Certainly, we already understand many aspects of sacrifice in terms of evolutionary biology.

The Guardian

We already understand that the father is both tyrannical and tender, a man very much taken with the notion of his paternal authority.

The New York Times

There's a lot of 'try it and see' here – what people should realise, though, is that virtual reality isn't just a tool to replicate aspects of the universe that we already understand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Really, in a lot of ways, cosmology has made extraordinary strides in understanding what we already understood, in greater detail.

Huffington Post

We already understood this edged truth amid the cautious celebrations, but as the months since the CSR have rolled on, the dry facts and figures have started to breathe, to become flesh and blood and visceral certainty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus, matching up a definiens with a definiendum could only be done if we already understood that the definiens specifies the meaning of the word that is being defined a variation of "the paradox of analysis", according to which we either already know the meaning of words (in which case analysis is unnecessary) or we do not (in which case it is impossible).

SEP

We already understood the environment.

Huffington Post

We already understood online accounting, that the cloud would be big (even back in 2000 when they did not even call it that !) and we were enthusiastic about Larry Ellison.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we already understand" to efficiently move past established knowledge and focus on new information or insights. For example, instead of reiterating basic principles, state "Since "we already understand" the fundamentals, let's explore advanced applications".

Common error

Avoid using "we already understand" excessively, as it can sound dismissive or condescending to those who may not share the same level of comprehension. Ensure everyone is truly on the same page before using the phrase to prevent alienation or misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we already understand" functions as an assertion of shared knowledge or comprehension. It serves to indicate that the speaker and audience possess a common understanding of a particular subject, as evidenced by Ludwig examples. This allows for efficient communication by avoiding unnecessary repetition of known information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we already understand" is a phrase used to signify shared knowledge or comprehension between a speaker and their audience. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, though it appears more frequently in News & Media sources. To maintain clarity and inclusiveness, it's important to ensure that everyone truly shares the same understanding when using this phrase. When writing or speaking, using phrases like "we are on the same page" or "we all know" could be considered in certain contexts in order to foster a more collaborative atmosphere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are already aware

Replaces "understand" with "aware", emphasizing consciousness of something.

we already know

Simplifies "understand" to "know", indicating familiarity with information.

we are already cognizant

Uses "cognizant" for a more formal tone, highlighting intellectual awareness.

we have already grasped

Emphasizes the act of comprehending, using "grasped" to show understanding.

we comprehend already

Inverts word order and replaces "understand" with "comprehend" to denote a complete grasp of the subject.

we're already familiar with

Indicates prior acquaintance or experience with a topic.

it is already apparent to us

Stresses the obviousness of the information to the group.

that's already clear to us

Shifts focus to clarity and shared understanding.

we have previously realized

Highlights prior realization or insight.

we are ahead of the curve

Expresses understanding that others have not yet grasped.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we already understand" to sound more collaborative?

Consider using phrases like "we are on the same page", "we share a common understanding", or "we all know" to foster a sense of shared knowledge and teamwork.

Is it appropriate to use "we already understand" in formal writing?

While acceptable, using more formal alternatives like "it is already apparent to us" or "we are already cognizant" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "we already understand" and "we already knew"?

"We already understand" implies a current state of comprehension, while "we already knew" indicates prior knowledge. Use "we already understand" to show current agreement and "we already knew" to reference past awareness.

How can I ensure everyone truly understands when I use "we already understand"?

Follow up with a brief summary or ask clarifying questions to confirm shared comprehension. For example, say "We already understand the basics, but let's quickly recap [key points] to ensure we're all aligned."