The verb understand means to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something. It is used to describe comprehension or the ability to make sense of a situation, statement, or concept.
Meaning and Usage
The verb understand is used when someone comprehends or makes sense of information, ideas, or instructions. It can also imply empathy or agreement with another person’s feelings or viewpoint.
- Understand is an irregular verb with the past tense understood.
- It can be used in various tenses and forms to express different times and aspects of comprehension.
- It is often followed by objects (e.g., understand something) but can also be followed by phrases like why..., how..., that..., etc.
Example Sentences
- I understand the instructions clearly.
- She understood the problem immediately.
- Do you understand why he left early?
- We understood that the meeting was postponed.
- He doesn’t understand how the machine works.
Which question uses 'understand' correctly to ask about reasons?
Do you understand why he left early?
'Do you understand' is the correct present simple question form for asking about comprehension.
Role in Grammar
Understand functions as a regular verb in terms of usage (subject-verb-object), but its past tense and past participle form understood are irregular.
Conjugation Table
| Tense | Form Example (English) | Example Sentence (English) | Conjugation Example (understand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | I understand | I understand the rules. | understand / understands |
| Past Simple | I understood | I understood the question. | understood |
| Present Perfect | I have understood | I have understood the topic. | have/has understood |
| Past Perfect | I had understood | I had understood the situation. | had understood |
| Future Simple | I will understand | I will understand soon. | will understand |
Usage Note
- Understand is often used with question words (why, how, what) to explore comprehension.
- It can also introduce clauses (e.g., I understand that..., I understand if...).
- In spoken English, understood can be used as a one-word response to confirm instructions (e.g., “Please send the report by noon.” “Understood.”).
Summary
Understand means to comprehend or make sense of something. Its past tense is understood. It is a fundamental verb used to describe grasping ideas, following instructions, or empathizing with others.
Flashcards (1 of 5)
- Tense: Present Simple
- Conjugation Example (understand): understand / understands
- Form Example (English): I understand
- Example Sentence (English): I understand the rules.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
