not sure if I understand vs not sure if I understood

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Not sure if I understand' is used when someone is currently unsure about their understanding of something, while 'Not sure if I understood' is used when someone is unsure if they understood something in the past.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1363 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"not sure if I understand"

This phrase is used when someone is currently unsure about their understanding of something.

Show examples from the web [+]

I'm not sure if I understand.
- Not sure if I understand.
I'm not sure if I understand...
I'm not sure if you understand the severity of your condition.
We don't know for sure if they really understand the function of the whistles.
Yes. I'm sure Ricky would understand if I change my mind.
I'm sure Maya will understand if I'm not here when she wakes up.
I'm sure you'll understand if I seem far from happy.
I'm sure you will understand if I insist on the utmost confidentiality
I am sure he will understand if I concentrate the rest of my remarks on the revenue side of the budget.
But I am sure they will understand if I concentrate today on my own report because, among other reasons, it is not often that we have reports relating to the fish product processing industry.
I am sure he will understand if I say to him that I welcome him more than I welcome his message.
Finally, Mr President, I hope you will forgive and I am sure you will understand if I end on a personal note: this is the last time I shall attend a debate in the European Parliament as the representative of the Portuguese Presidency.
I'm sure Louis would understand if you're a little late.
I'm sure they'll understand if you don't feel up to it.
I'm sure they would understand if you don't go in to work today.
So I'm sure you can understand if we're not thrilled about the Chief forcing another one down our throat.
However, you will, I am sure, understand if we look at the more critical points today, where we want to see more being done.
Not sure if I like it.
I'm not sure if I'm prepared for that.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"not sure if I understood"

This phrase is used when someone is unsure if they understood something in the past.

Show examples from the web [+]

Not sure if I like it.
I'm not sure if I'm prepared for that.
I'm not sure if I can...
I'm not sure if I understand.
I'm not sure if I fixed the navigational glitch.
I'm not sure if I can save my estate.
Not sure if I can help you, detective.
Not sure if I can help you either.
I'm not sure if I have any.
Not sure if I can find it.
I'm not sure if I have the time.
I'm not sure if I should.
I'm not sure if I can really make that few thousand.
I'm not sure if I've done anything wrong with Will.
But I'm not sure if I can.
- Not sure if I understand.
Not sure if I even I continue to live.
I'm not sure if I can work here anymore.
I'm not sure if I understand...
I'm not sure if I'd be great company.

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not sure if I understand vs not sure if I understood