This study exhibits the strategic function of a formerly undocumented pro-social grammatical-conversational structure, performing “pro forma” affiliation, in a diverse series of settings: I + ‘understand’ + YOU + PSYCHOLOGICAL FORMULATION. By expressly asserting and showing a grasp of their interlocutor's subjectivity, this target expression orients to interlocutor misalignment, displays other-regard and bridges a breakdown, fostering interactional agendas.