How to use "on this understanding"

What Does "on this understanding" Mean?

• Grammatical function: It expresses a condition or premise upon which the following statement is based. It establishes a shared agreement or interpretation. It functions as a discourse marker indicating a logical consequence based on a previously established understanding.
• Typical sentence position: Initial
• Register: Formal

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: "On this understanding" is typically followed by a comma and a main clause that presents a consequence, explanation, or interpretation derived from the shared understanding. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
• Punctuation rules: A comma always follows "on this understanding" when it introduces a clause.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence. It can also be embedded within a clause, though this is less common and potentially awkward. It cannot be negated directly. The understanding itself can be negated, impacting the subsequent clause.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: It sounds unnatural to use "on this understanding" in very informal contexts. Using it in place of a simple conjunction like "because" or "so" is also incorrect if the intention isn't to emphasize a pre-existing agreement.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from on this understanding on Ludwig.guru.

"On this understanding, there is no one "right" religion - just as there is no one "right" language or culture." — Huffington Post

"On this understanding, religious toleration threatened to undermine one of the key ingredients of social solidarity and to weaken the state, perhaps fatally." — Encyclopedia Britannica

"Modern economics is built on this understanding of how individuals make decisions." — Encyclopedia Britannica

"Let us act on this understanding – and rise to the unprecedented challenges we face – with stronger programmes and increased resources." — The Guardian

"The level of hazard can then be based subjectively on this understanding." — Journal of Applied Volcanology

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/on+this+understanding

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
given this	Implies a factual basis; slightly less formal.
assuming this	Highlights the hypothetical nature of the understanding.
with this in mind	Emphasizes the consideration of the understanding in subsequent actions.
in light of this	Introduces a statement considering the provided understanding.
based on this	Indicates that the following statement is derived from the understanding.
considering this	Highlights the thoughtfulness behind the statement.
bearing this in mind	Emphasizes remembering the understanding while proceeding.

Common Mistakes

• Using it in informal contexts where simpler alternatives are more appropriate.
• Omitting the comma after "on this understanding" when it introduces a clause.
• Learners often misuse it by substituting it with simpler conjunctions like 'if' or 'provided that' without fully capturing its formal register and nuanced meaning of mutual agreement.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
On this understanding	Establishes a shared premise or agreement	Formal	Sentence-initial

FAQs

Where can "on this understanding" be placed in a sentence?

On this understanding typically appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma. While grammatically possible to embed it within a clause, this can sound awkward and is less common. It is best used to introduce a point based on a previously stated or implied agreement.

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How is "on this understanding" different from "given this"?

Both phrases introduce statements based on a prior premise, but "on this understanding" emphasizes a shared agreement or interpretation, while "given this" implies a more factual basis. On this understanding suggests a mutual consensus, whereas "given this" presents the information as a starting point, regardless of agreement.

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What's the best way to correct the mistake of using "if" instead of "on this understanding"?

If you find yourself using "if" where you intend to convey a shared agreement and a formal tone, replace it with "on this understanding". Remember that "on this understanding" implies a pre-existing agreement or consensus, while "if" introduces a conditional statement without necessarily implying any prior shared knowledge. Ensure you use a comma after "on this understanding" when it introduces a clause.