we completely understand

USAGE SUMMARY

"We completely understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to reassure someone that you have a full understanding of a situation. For example: "I'm sorry for making a mistake; we completely understand, and we will do our best to make sure it doesn't happen again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We completely understand that".

The New York Times

We completely understand their anger, their upset.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're disappointed not to have the defending champion, but we completely understand the situation.

The New York Times - Sports

We can't attempt a repair until we completely understand what caused the problem.

The New York Times - Sports

"And they mainly have, and we completely understand why," Akullo adds.

Harvard University

It was extremely hard to find out any information beforehand but now we completely understand".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

None of us have ever learned and understood any complex system without memorizing whole blocks of facts and procedures even before we completely understood their meaning.

The New York Times

However, when we saw Ms Aguiari she pointed out that she wasn't a commercial artist, she was an artiste - which we completely understood.

The Guardian

We completely understood the process and knew we could run it contaminate-free.

Forbes

Sometimes we doctors completely understand when people just want to go home against advice.

The Guardian

Reading "My Quest for the Yeti" (translated from the German by Peter Constantine), we never completely understand how an upright grizzly-type bear could be mistaken for a giant monkey-man in the first place.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we completely understand", follow it up with an action or explanation to show that you are not just saying the words, but are taking steps to address the situation.

Common error

Avoid saying "we completely understand" if you're not actually prepared to address the issue or show empathy through your actions. Empty words can damage trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we completely understand" functions as a declarative statement expressing comprehension and empathy. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from acknowledging customer frustrations to recognizing valid reasons for decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we completely understand" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey comprehension and empathy. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business communications, and scientific discourse. While widely accepted, it's important to ensure sincerity when using the phrase, as empty words can damage trust. Consider using alternative phrases such as "we fully comprehend" or "we appreciate your perspective" to add variety to your communication. Always follow up with action or explanation to demonstrate genuine understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we fully comprehend

Replaces "understand" with "comprehend", emphasizing thorough understanding.

we grasp the situation

Focuses on understanding the entirety of the situation at hand.

we totally get it

Uses more informal language to express understanding, suitable for casual contexts.

we are cognizant of

A more formal way of saying "we are aware of", indicating understanding.

we are fully aware

Focuses on the awareness of the situation or issue.

we recognize your concerns

Acknowledges and understands the concerns someone has.

we are mindful of

Implies being aware and considerate of the situation.

we appreciate your perspective

Highlights the appreciation of someone's viewpoint, implying understanding.

we sympathize with your position

Expresses empathy and understanding of someone's situation.

we are in complete agreement

While not directly about understanding, it implies a shared comprehension leading to agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "we completely understand" in a sentence?

You can use "we completely understand" to express empathy and comprehension. For example, "We completely understand your frustration with the delayed shipment and are working to resolve it."

What are some alternatives to "we completely understand"?

Alternatives include "we fully comprehend", "we totally get it", or "we appreciate your perspective", depending on the context.

Is "we completely understand" formal or informal?

"We completely understand" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both professional and informal contexts, but alternatives like "we are cognizant of" may be more appropriate in formal situations.

When is it not appropriate to use "we completely understand"?

Avoid using "we completely understand" if you don't genuinely comprehend the situation or are not prepared to take action to address the concern. It can come across as insincere.