People can have all kinds of concerns in business contexts. It’s best to address them in positive and helpful ways rather than dismissing them.
That’s where “I understand your concern” comes in. You might be tempted to use it, but is it the only suitable phrase professionally?
Luckily, this article can answer that for you. We’ll help you understand how to say “I understand your concern” in an email.
Other Ways to Say “I Understand Your Concern”
- I appreciate where you’re coming from
- I hear what you’re saying
- I’m not ignoring your concerns
- I can sympathize with you
- I accept your concern
- I’m on your side
- I acknowledge that you have worries
- I understand the basis of your concern
- I’m sensitive to your concerns
- I’m with you
- I appreciate why you see this as a problem
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “I understand your concern” works well to empathize with an email recipient.
- “I appreciate where you’re coming from” is a great formal synonym.
- You can write “I hear what you’re saying” as a more friendly alternative.
So, read on to learn more about the most effective phrases above. We’ve explained the best formal and informal choices to help you mix things up.
The final section also touches on whether it’s correct to say “I understand your concern.” We recommend referring to that if you’re keen to use that phrase instead of an alternative.
I Appreciate Where You’re Coming From (Formal)
“I appreciate where you’re coming from” shows you how to say “I understand your concern” in an email. It’s a more professional alternative that keeps things respectful when necessary.
In most cases, when someone is concerned, you need to empathize with them. Even if you don’t agree with what they’re saying, it’s good to show you’re on their side.
Therefore, saying “I appreciate where you’re coming from” allows you to be on the recipient’s side. It allows you to see things from their perspective, even if you don’t directly agree.
You can use it when emailing a customer. This is a good way to address it if they’ve come to you with a complaint.
You may be unable to help solve their complaint, and that’s okay. An empathetic phrase like this one goes a long way.
This email example will also help you with it:
Dear Miss King,
I appreciate where you’re coming from, but I don’t think we can help you with this. I’m truly sorry.
All the best,
Michelle Bryant
I Hear What You’re Saying (Informal)
Another way to say “I understand your concern” is “I hear what you’re saying.” This time, it’s a more informal alternative.
It works well in conversational situations. For instance, it might relate to a coworker’s concern at work.
Let’s say your coworker is worried about upcoming changes in the office. It’s worth reaching out to them and saying “I hear what you’re saying.”
It shows you’re on their side and want to do what you can to get them through a tough situation. Even if you don’t necessarily have the same concerns, this is a good way to be empathetic.
Check out this email example to see how it works:
Hi Martin,
I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not sure if there’s anything we can do! Maybe we can talk to the rest of the team about it.
Yours,
Danny Dryman
Is It Correct to Say “I Understand Your Concern”?
It is correct to say “I understand your concern.” It’s a great way to empathize with the recipient, showing you appreciate what they’re saying, even if you can’t do much to help them.
You can also use the plural form when someone has more than one concern. For instance:
- I understand your concerns.
Of course, it’s good to include extra wording sometimes. Extensions to the original phrase help you to sound more helpful or personable when you need to (i.e., when contacting customers).
Here are some examples of extensions that work well:
- I certainly understand your concern.
- I can understand your concern.
- I completely understand your concern.
- I do understand your concern.
All of these use adverbs or verbs to emphasize “understand.” It shows you truly understand why someone is upset or has certain concerns.
You can also include different extensions when introducing counter points. For instance:
- I understand your concern, but I don’t have the same concern.
- While I understand your concern, I do not think it’s necessary.
“While” and “but” are great ways to go against someone’s concerns. They may also help them to calm down slightly if they’re panicking about those concerns.