we understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we understood" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing comprehension or acknowledgment of information or a situation. Example: "After discussing the project details, we understood the challenges we would face moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But we understood that.

The New York Times - Arts

Health we understood.

The New Yorker

We understood that.

The New York Times

"We understood each other".

The New Yorker

Sure!" We understood.

The New Yorker

We understood the problem".

The New York Times - Science

"We understood the opportunity.

The New York Times

Lawyer: We... we understood.

The New Yorker

We understood the transaction.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We understood people's difficulties.

The New York Times

Killing nature, we understood, was bad.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we understood" to clearly convey that a group or collective has comprehension of a concept, situation, or message. Ensure the context provides clarity on what was understood and why it's significant.

Common error

Avoid using "we understood" without clearly specifying what was understood. Ensure the surrounding text provides enough context for the reader to grasp the subject of comprehension, preventing ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we understood" functions as a declarative statement indicating comprehension on the part of a group. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, showing its usability in expressing acknowledgment of information or a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we understood" is a common and grammatically sound way to express comprehension or acknowledgment, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in news and media contexts to convey that a group or collective has grasped a concept or situation. While versatile, ensuring clear context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "we comprehended" or "we realized" to add nuance. Overall, "we understood" effectively communicates shared comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we comprehended

Replaces "understood" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a deeper level of understanding.

we grasped the meaning

Emphasizes the act of seizing or fully understanding something.

we realized

Focuses on becoming aware of something, often after a period of unawareness.

we were aware

Highlights a state of being informed or conscious of something.

we were cognizant

Uses a more formal term than "aware", suggesting a high degree of knowledge.

we got it

A more informal way of saying "we understood", suitable for casual conversation.

we perceived

Suggests understanding through observation or intuition.

it was clear to us

Shifts the focus to the clarity of the information rather than the act of understanding.

we were informed

Indicates understanding gained through being told something.

we took it on board

Implies not only understanding but also accepting and internalizing the information.

FAQs

How can I use "we understood" in a sentence?

You can use "we understood" to express that a group or collective has comprehension of something. For example, "After the explanation, "we understood" the plan".

What are some alternatives to "we understood"?

Alternatives include "we comprehended", "we realized", or "we grasped", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more formal to say "we comprehended" instead of "we understood"?

Yes, "we comprehended" is generally considered more formal than "we understood". It suggests a deeper and more thorough level of understanding.

What's the difference between "we understood" and "we were aware"?

"We understood" implies comprehension, while "we were aware" simply means being informed or conscious of something. Understanding goes beyond mere awareness.