Develop understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Develop understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the idea of gaining knowledge or insight about a particular subject or situation. Example: "The workshop aims to develop understanding of the complex issues surrounding climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I believe strongly that it's our investment in fundamental research that will allow us not only to see and understand so much more of our universe, but develop understanding, tools and technology along the way that can also be important economic drivers and excite the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians who test and prove theories and create new theories of their own.

Huffington Post

This requires us to reference other parts of a sentence at different times to develop understanding.

TechCrunch

An important difference, though, is that learning environments are designed, whereas people develop (understanding, intelligence and ability), or, in some cases and situations, they fail to do so.

Smart Learning Environments

To obtain a high score on examinations or quizzes, many Japanese L2 students must memorize material and develop understanding through careful attention and analysis (MacWhinnie and Mitchell 2017).

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

The book begins with a discussion of Chinese culture and worldview in which he compares and contrasts Chinese "system think" (putting things in the context of their relationship with other things to understand them better) with the Western deconstructionist tactic, which takes things apart and looks at them more closely in order to develop understanding.

Huffington Post

Simulation experiments The simulation was used in a series of experiments, as summarized in Table  2, refining the problem specification and introducing additional complexities in a phased series of experiments to help develop understanding.

Health Care Management Science

Beginning with her first dances, more than thirty years ago, Susan Marshall has explored our attempts to find one another, to develop understanding, to navigate relationships.

The New Yorker

Yes, we want to help the police but, in a sense, what universities are for is to develop understanding and contribute to knowledge.

The Guardian

We need to rely on evidence about what happened and its effects, and we need to develop understanding and knowledge, not just anecdotes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The FPC will need to better develop understanding and acceptability of the new framework and policy among market participants and the public.

The Guardian - Business

At the Joyce Theatre recently, the French choreographer Pierre… Beginning with her first dances, more than thirty years ago, Susan Marshall has explored our attempts to find one another, to develop understanding, to navigate… The ephemeral nature of dance is one of its great pleasures.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Develop understanding", consider specifying the area or subject in which understanding is being developed. For example, "Develop understanding of quantum physics" provides more context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "Develop understanding" without a clear object or context. Saying "We need to develop understanding" is less effective than specifying what needs to be understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Develop understanding" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with an object, indicating the act of acquiring or deepening comprehension. It is widely accepted and used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Develop understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the process of gaining insight or knowledge. Ludwig confirms its widespread acceptance and applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. For optimal usage, specify the subject area to enhance clarity, and consider alternatives like "foster comprehension" or "cultivate insight" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate the phrase "Develop understanding" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Foster comprehension

Focuses on creating an environment that encourages understanding.

Cultivate insight

Emphasizes the gradual growth of deep understanding.

Enhance perception

Highlights improving the ability to perceive and interpret information.

Deepen awareness

Stresses increasing one's consciousness and knowledge of a subject.

Expand knowledge

Concentrates on broadening the scope of acquired information.

Acquire proficiency

Shifts the focus to gaining expertise and skill in a particular area.

Build acumen

Highlights the development of sharp and insightful understanding.

Gain expertise

Emphasizes acquiring specialized knowledge or skill.

Sharpen insight

Focuses on refining and improving the clarity of one's understanding.

Advance discernment

Stresses the improvement of one's ability to make sound judgments.

FAQs

How can I use "Develop understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "Develop understanding" to describe a process of learning or gaining insight, for example: "The course aims to "develop understanding" of the historical context."

What are some alternatives to "Develop understanding"?

Alternatives include "foster comprehension", "cultivate insight", or "enhance perception", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "Develop understanding" or "Gain understanding"?

Both phrases are correct, but "Develop understanding" suggests a process or progression, while "Gain understanding" implies achieving a specific level of comprehension.

What's the difference between "Develop understanding" and "Create understanding"?

"Develop understanding" suggests building upon existing knowledge, whereas "Create understanding" implies establishing a new comprehension where none existed before.