we are understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe something that you are trying to understand. For example, "We are understanding the complex rules of quantum physics better every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We are understanding her more and more as a trailblazer".

The New York Times

We are understanding cancer and rare genetic diseases.

The New York Times - Science

In the 21st century we are understanding that often alternatives to incarceration might be the better way to go.

The Guardian

"We are understanding better that you do get people who, for psychological reasons, confess to things they didn't do.

The Guardian

The tradition in British politics is that we are understanding of people who get into personal difficulties.

The Guardian

"Nowadays everyone is discussing that the chairman [of the Pakistan Cricket Board], selectors and coaches should be removed, but the question is whether we are understanding the problems," Younis continued.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But she said: "We're understanding each other's culture better".

The New York Times

"We knew where we were, understanding the time in America we were in.

The New York Times - Magazine

His political one — assuming we're understanding it correctly — is iffier.

The Washington Post

What is the problem here with how we're understanding motivation?

Harvard Business Review

We're understanding not to panic and to get back to what we do best".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are understanding" to express a gradual and ongoing process of learning or becoming aware of something. For instance, "We are understanding the long-term effects of climate change better with each study."

Common error

Do not use "we are understanding" when you mean to say that you have fully understood something. Use "we understand" instead, which implies a complete comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are understanding" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense, indicating an action that is currently in progress. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to describe a situation where comprehension is evolving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are understanding" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote an ongoing process of comprehension. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English. It's prevalent in various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and academic writing. When writing, remember to employ this phrase to express a current development of understanding rather than a completed state. Alternatives such as "we're grasping" or "we're comprehending" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're comprehending

A more formal synonym of understanding.

we're gaining insight into

Uses "gaining insight" to emphasize the process of acquiring understanding.

we're developing a grasp of

Emphasizes the gradual process of developing comprehension.

we're grasping

Implies seizing or firmly understanding something.

we're becoming aware of

Focuses on the increasing recognition of something.

we are appreciating

Uses "appreciating" to emphasize the process of valuing understanding.

we're getting to grips with

An idiomatic expression indicating the beginning of understanding something difficult.

we're unraveling

Suggests a process of revealing or clarifying something complex.

we're deciphering

Focuses on the act of interpreting or understanding something cryptic.

we're figuring out

An informal way of saying that we are in the process of discovering or understanding.

FAQs

When should I use "we are understanding" instead of "we understand"?

"We are understanding" indicates an ongoing process of gaining comprehension, while "we understand" implies complete comprehension. Use "we are understanding" when the understanding is still developing.

What are some alternatives to "we are understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "we are grasping", "we are comprehending", or "we are becoming aware of" depending on the context.

Is "we're understanding" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we're understanding" is the contracted form of "we are understanding" and is grammatically correct. It is suitable for informal contexts.

How does the formality of a situation affect the use of "we are understanding"?

In formal contexts, it's preferable to use the full form "we are understanding". In informal settings, "we're understanding" is acceptable.