"to understand" vs "to be understood"

Question

"to understand" vs "to be understood"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'To understand' is used when someone comprehends or grasps something, while 'to be understood' is used when someone is comprehended or grasped by others.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used when someone is trying to comprehend or make sense of something. It indicates the act of understanding a concept, idea, or situation.

Examples:

I want to understand the instructions clearly before starting the task.
She couldn't understand why he was acting that way.

Alternatives:

to comprehend
to grasp
to get the idea
to make sense of
to figure out

This phrase is used when someone wants to express that they want others to comprehend or grasp their thoughts, feelings, or intentions.

Examples:

I want my point of view to be understood by everyone.
She felt frustrated because she wasn't being understood by her colleagues.

Alternatives:

to be comprehended
to be grasped
to be clear to others
to be perceived correctly
to be interpreted correctly

Answer 1

to understand

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the action of comprehending or grasping something.

Answer 2

to be understood

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the state of being comprehended or grasped by others.

"to understand" vs "to be understood"

to understand

to be understood

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