with understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done with comprehension or awareness of the situation or context. Example: "She approached the difficult conversation with understanding, ensuring that both sides felt heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

2. Perform with understanding.

Nature

Historically, we have associated sight with understanding.

MIT Technology Review

Solving problems starts with understanding people's needs.

Harvard Business Review

But the laughter is tinged with understanding.

The Guardian

Solving problems begins with understanding them.

Cornell University

We learn to follow Keith's decline and fall with understanding.

The Guardian - Books

And that begins with understanding the threat we face.

The Guardian

He gives me a grave answering nod, pregnant with understanding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They recognised that this begins with understanding what women need.

The Guardian

That begins with understanding the current threat that we face.

The New York Times

Companies of all kinds are obsessed with understanding them better.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with understanding" to convey a sense of empathy and informed awareness in your writing. For example, "She listened to his concerns with understanding."

Common error

Don't overuse "with understanding" when "with knowledge" or "knowing" is more appropriate. Overusing "with understanding" can sound pretentious in contexts where simple awareness is meant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with understanding" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out with comprehension, empathy, or awareness, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with understanding" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to indicate comprehension, empathy, or informed awareness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "with comprehension" or "with empathy" exist, "with understanding" offers a nuanced way to express the depth of one's grasp of a situation or feeling. To effectively use it, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and isn't merely a substitute for simpler terms like "knowing". Be aware of its slightly formal tone, making it more suited to professional and academic settings than casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with comprehension

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of grasping meaning.

with empathy

Highlights the emotional connection and shared feelings.

with awareness

Emphasizes being conscious and informed about the situation.

with insight

Suggests a deeper level of perception and intuitive understanding.

with perception

Highlights keen observation and discernment.

with cognizance

Indicates formal acknowledgment and awareness.

knowingly

Implies acting with full knowledge and intention.

perceptively

Highlights the ability to notice and understand subtle details.

intelligently

Focuses on the use of reason and intellect.

sensitively

Emphasizes acting with tact and consideration for others' feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "with understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "with understanding" to describe how someone approaches a situation or treats another person. For example, "She listened to his explanation "with understanding"."

What are some alternatives to "with understanding"?

Alternatives include "with comprehension", "with empathy", and "with awareness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "with" before "understanding"?

Yes, the phrase is "with understanding". Using just "understanding" in similar contexts would not be grammatically correct.

What is the difference between "with understanding" and "understandingly"?

"With understanding" is a prepositional phrase, while "understandingly" is an adverb. They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but "with understanding" often provides a richer, more nuanced description.