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It is well known that understand is a stative verb. But it can also mean "in the process of understanding". So "I am understanding it" sound ok, which suggests that understand is dynamic as well. Any idea on this?

E Zhang
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  • It's often possible to use the progressive form of stative words when you want to emphasise that something is currently going on and is relevant to the present situation, e.g. "I'm understanding what you are saying, but I don't think it's a good idea" to emphasise that you genuinely are aware of what they're saying and are actively considering it. See e.g. "I'm wanting...". – Stuart F Nov 28 '22 at 13:46

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I do not think Understand is an action verb. understand is not used in the progressive forms according to many standard grammar books

I am understanding is ungrammatical and it is not idiomatic and is rarely used by native speakers. It is correct and idiomatic to say : I am beginning to understand , if you are in the process of understanding.

We usually say I understand , I have understood.

I have been understanding is rarely used by native speakers

Here is a link which shows the usage of Understand

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/understand

Jvlnarasimharao
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    You either understand something or you don't. If you want to express that it is a gradual process you would have to say something like "I am beginning to understand". – Kate Bunting Oct 16 '19 at 07:53
  • I'll throw in that it's possible to use "I am understanding" as a linking verb construction, using the adjective form of understanding which means "sympathetically aware of other people's feelings; tolerant and forgiving." Ex. "She was very understanding of my situation, but nevertheless she couldn't hire me." – Tommy Tran Oct 16 '19 at 08:11
  • Using ing form as an adjective, gerund does not come under progressive forms. – Jvlnarasimharao Oct 16 '19 at 08:29
  • I know that. The OP said "I am understanding" is ungrammatical and unidiomatic. I was giving an example in which the same words are used (albeit with different functions) and it works just fine. – Tommy Tran Oct 16 '19 at 09:45
  • In "I am understanding", I mean the progressive aspect, not gerund or adjective. – E Zhang Oct 16 '19 at 15:10
  • I am understanding is not advisable.we understand or do not understand as we know and do not know. – Jvlnarasimharao Oct 16 '19 at 15:13
  • The down voter should show me the reason. – Jvlnarasimharao Oct 17 '19 at 04:47
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If I say, "I understand your language", is that not grammatical, and is not "language" the direct object? If it is grammatical then, "I am understanding your language" should be just fine.

Russell Tripp
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  • Native English speakers only very rarely use continuous tenses for stative verbs. So I am understanding your language, while completely comprehensible, would not be used outside of exceptional circumstances. – Peter Shor Nov 28 '22 at 14:18