which we understand

USAGE SUMMARY

"which we understand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has been previously stated in the text, usually to emphasize that it is an understood fact. For example: "Children learn best when they are having fun, which we understand is an important part of the learning process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which we understand.

The New Yorker

Not all great poets alter the ways in which we understand the world we live in.

The New Yorker

This is a normal and expected activity, which we understand and fully support.

The Guardian - Tech

For students interested in thinking about the underlying principles by which we understand literature.

Princeton University

Computational cognitive modeling has profoundly changed the ways in which we understand cognition.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And we should explore other religious traditions, which we understand poorly.

The New York Times

The data generate a database by which we understand the perceptions of risk.

Food Quality and Preference

He stood alongside women, sex workers and lepers, and changed many of the ways in which we understand society.

The Guardian - Opinion

You have the same need, and that is one of the reasons for which we understand each other so well.

The New Yorker

They are almost certainly irreversible, given the increasingly complex and interdependent ways in which we understand our existence.

Columbia University

It investigates ways in which we understand evolutionary processes and the implications for humans and our ecological future.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which we understand", ensure the referent is unambiguously clear from the preceding context to avoid confusing your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "which we understand" in simple sentences where the understanding is already blatantly obvious. This can make your writing sound condescending or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which we understand" functions as a non-restrictive relative clause, adding extra information to a preceding clause or noun phrase. It indicates a shared comprehension or agreement, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

31%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "which we understand" is a versatile relative clause used to indicate shared comprehension or agreement. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overuse in overly simplified sentences to prevent sounding condescending. Alternatives like "as we understand it" or "something we comprehend" offer subtle variations in emphasis. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively leverage "which we understand" to establish common ground and provide context in their writing. In conclusion, "which we understand" it's generally a correct phrase, but in order to increase your quality, we recommend you to have some expertise in the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which is our understanding

This alternative emphasizes the possession of understanding by the group.

as we understand it

This phrase explicitly frames the statement as based on the speaker's understanding.

something we comprehend

This version uses a more direct verb and a slightly different word order.

something that's understood by us

This is a more passive and emphatic construction.

that is our perception

This alternative highlights the subjective nature of understanding.

as far as we can tell

This adds a degree of uncertainty or limitation to the understanding.

from our perspective

This focuses on the viewpoint influencing the understanding.

what we gather

This implies an understanding based on collected information.

what we've come to know

This emphasizes the process of acquiring knowledge.

that is our interpretation

This underscores the act of interpreting information.

FAQs

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

Use "which we understand" to add a clause that refers back to a previously mentioned idea or fact, implying a shared understanding. For example, "The project needs additional funding, "which we understand" is a concern for the board".

What are some alternatives to "which we understand"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as we understand it", "something we comprehend", or "as far as we can tell", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "which we understand" or "that we understand"?

"Which we understand" tends to be slightly more formal than "that we understand", but the difference is minimal. The choice often depends on the rhythm and flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "which we understand" and "something we understand"?

"Which we understand" introduces a non-restrictive clause, adding extra information. "Something we understand" is a more direct statement and can be used to emphasize the object of understanding.