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Mitsuo23 Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
understand vs understood
Hi,
Would you explain nicely when to use "understand" and "understood"?
Suppose you were a new guy at a company and one of your colleagues was explaining some basic rules at the first day there that you need to follow. Would you say, "Ok, I understand" or "I understood" after his instructions?
I used to believe "I understand" was the proper answer in that kind of situations but oftentimes, I hear the line "Understood?" in films when "Understand?" seems more appropriate.
Thank you,
M
Would you explain nicely when to use "understand" and "understood"?
Suppose you were a new guy at a company and one of your colleagues was explaining some basic rules at the first day there that you need to follow. Would you say, "Ok, I understand" or "I understood" after his instructions?
I used to believe "I understand" was the proper answer in that kind of situations but oftentimes, I hear the line "Understood?" in films when "Understand?" seems more appropriate.
Thank you,
M
Top answer
Understand is present tense. Understood is past tense. I use the one that corresponds to the tense of the question.
- Understand is present tense.
- Understood is past tense.
- I use the one that corresponds to the tense of the question.
- In movies, "understood" seems to have a more formal connotation, like something a drill sergeant would say.
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8 Answers
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Understand is present tense.
Understood is past tense.
I use the one that corresponds to the tense of the question. In movies, "understood" seems to have a more formal connotation, like something a drill sergeant would say.
Understood is past tense.
I use the one that corresponds to the tense of the question. In movies, "understood" seems to have a more formal connotation, like something a drill sergeant would say.
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mitsuwao23I hear the line "Understood?" in films when "Understand?" seems more appropriate.Boss: I want it yesterday, understood?
Employee: Yes, sir.
Girl: I think we shouldn't go out tonight. We have a lot of homework to do, and there are mid-term exams next week. Understand?
Boy: Yes, I know, but we can help each other out. Doing homewor
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Thank you for the replies but I still don't understand why "understood" are used when "understand" seems to make more sense.
Would you explain why "understood" is being used in the conversation below. I quoted it from The Office. In case you are not familiar with the drama, Pam and Jim is a couple and Michael is their boss, and they are on the phone in this scene.
Pam:
Would you explain why "understood" is being used in the conversation below. I quoted it from The Office. In case you are not familiar with the drama, Pam and Jim is a couple and Michael is their boss, and they are on the phone in this scene.
Pam:
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To reply with "Understood" is a sort of light slang. It somewhat jocularly simulates military radio communication. It's like when people say "Roger", which actually stands for "received and understood". Its terseness implies deference, and the quasi-military tone promises compliance, as if the one who says "Understood" has been given an order.
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It can be used on either side of the conversation:
1)
Mom: That's the last time you are going to sass me!!! Understood?
Kid: yeah...
Understood? is short for:
You have understood me, haven't you?
2)
Policeman: Your mom was in a bad accident. We have just taken her to the hospital, and she is in serious but stable condition.
Son: Understood.
1)
Mom: That's the last time you are going to sass me!!! Understood?
Kid: yeah...
Understood? is short for:
You have understood me, haven't you?
2)
Policeman: Your mom was in a bad accident. We have just taken her to the hospital, and she is in serious but stable condition.
Son: Understood.
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It seems "understood" is more a question than an answer. Or used in present tense to reply in the same way as the message you receive..
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