Cool MateBut I understand what you're doing vs I get it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
But I understand what you're doing
I get it
| But I understand what you're doing | I get it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bʌt aɪ ˌʌndəˈstænd wɒt jɔːr ˈduːɪŋ//🇺🇸 //bʌt aɪ ˌʌndərˈstænd wʌt jʊr ˈduɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //aɪ ɡɛt ɪt//🇺🇸 //aɪ ɡɛt ɪt// |
| Meaning | I know what you are doing. | I understand |
| Example | But I understand what you're doing, and I appreciate your effort. | When she explained the project, I said, 'I get it!' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | I understand what you're doing, understand your point, understand the situation, understand the plan, understand your intentions | get it now, get it right, get it together |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'but' inappropriately, changing the meaning., Using in overly formal situations., Confusing with phrases like 'I know what you mean.' | Using it too formally, such as in a business meeting., Confusing it with 'I don't get it' when expressing confusion., Overusing it in responses instead of varying expressions. |
| Usage notes | Used to show comprehension or agreement. Appropriate in most conversations but can be informal depending on context. | Used in casual conversation to show understanding. Avoid in formal writing or situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: But I understand what you're doing vs I get it
What's the difference between But I understand what you're doing and I get it?
But I understand what you're doing: I know what you are doing. I get it: I understand
Which is more formal: But I understand what you're doing and I get it?
But I understand what you're doing is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: But I understand what you're doing and I get it?
But I understand what you're doing is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
But I understand what you're doing: But I understand what you're doing, and I appreciate your effort. I get it: When she explained the project, I said, 'I get it!'
Can I use But I understand what you're doing and I get it interchangeably?
Not always. But I understand what you're doing and I get it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.