HaffiezMike Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Help me please : KNOW versus UNDERSTAND
Do you know what I mean?
Do you understand me?
The person is from Spain and his teacher said the second one is wrong and that sounds weird!
I explained him the difference but he still confused! Can someone help me? Tell me the difference so I can explain to him once again
Thank You very much!
Do you understand me?
The person is from Spain and his teacher said the second one is wrong and that sounds weird!
I explained him the difference but he still confused! Can someone help me? Tell me the difference so I can explain to him once again
Thank You very much!Top answer
One look at the dictionary will tell you that the meanings of these two words are deeply entwined; in many common cases (as in your examples), however, they are essentially synonymous, and I find both of your sentences quite natural, standing as they do out of context. I suppose that know usually carries the meaning of having already fixed information in one's mind ( Do you know all the capitals of the US states? ), while understand suggests comprehending the reality of the situation ( Do you understand that I really have a headache tonight and just want to go to sleep?
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One look at the dictionary will tell you that the meanings of these two words are deeply entwined; in many common cases (as in your examples), however, they are essentially synonymous, and I find both of your sentences quite natural, standing as they do out of context.
I suppose that know usually carries the meaning of having already fixed information in one's mind (
I suppose that know usually carries the meaning of having already fixed information in one's mind (
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Well Mister hmmm Micawber(?),
That's what I've told my friend but he's still confused and what about his teacher? What should he do? Because his teacher said 'Do you understand me' is incorrect but I don't think so. Do you see any wrong?
Have you got any other idea?
That's what I've told my friend but he's still confused and what about his teacher? What should he do? Because his teacher said 'Do you understand me' is incorrect but I don't think so. Do you see any wrong?
Have you got any other idea?
00
Hello HM
"Do you understand me?" would sound quite aggressive or patronising. So perhaps the teacher said it was inadvisable in certain situations.
MrP
"Do you understand me?" would sound quite aggressive or patronising. So perhaps the teacher said it was inadvisable in certain situations.
MrP
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