Gain understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gain understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the process of acquiring knowledge or comprehension about a specific topic or subject. Example: "To succeed in this field, it is essential to gain understanding of the latest technologies and trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gain understanding of the tyres and get on with it".

BBC

Attending cabinet meetings is also a great way to gain understanding of the political side of local government, and can be quite exciting when high profile cases are debated.

The Guardian

However, a Senate investigation last year drew testimony from American bank examiners at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency who said that JP Morgan had defied their attempts to gain understanding of the bank's workings.

The Guardian - Business

Du Châtelet herself spent time running extensive experiments to gain understanding of various natural phenomena.

SEP

Along the way, innovators gain understanding of how and where their innovation could fit in the landscape.

TechCrunch

The corresponding exergy loss analyses are also carried out to gain understanding of the loss distribution.

Energy

Further chemical kinetic analyses were conducted to gain understanding of the blending behavior predicted by the available model.

Combustion and Flame

Much effort has been made to gain understanding of the implications that the use of the RWP model may cause.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

AFM imaging of nanocomposite coated glass slides was performed to gain understanding of the topography and roughness of the films.

International Nano Letters

First, an interview study was conducted to gain understanding of the characteristics and demands of control engineering work.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

this study aimed to gain understanding of the views of community members in relation to obstetric fistula.

Midwifery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain understanding of", ensure the object of your understanding is clearly defined. For instance, instead of saying "gain understanding", specify what you are trying to understand: "gain understanding of the market trends".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "gain understanding of" can sound somewhat redundant, especially in formal contexts. Consider stronger verbs like "discern", "ascertain", or "comprehend" for a more impactful statement. For example, use "discern the underlying causes" instead of "gain understanding of the underlying causes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Gain understanding of" functions as a verbal phrase that indicates the process of acquiring knowledge or comprehension. As shown in Ludwig, it often precedes a noun or noun phrase specifying the subject matter to be understood. The phrase is deemed grammatically sound by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Gain understanding of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies acquiring knowledge or comprehension. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various writing contexts, with a noticeable preference for formal and scientific domains. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying the subject of understanding and considering alternative verbs for heightened impact. By mastering these nuances, you can effectively use "Gain understanding of" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acquire knowledge of

Uses "acquire" instead of "gain", focusing on the act of obtaining knowledge.

Develop an understanding of

Emphasizes the process of building comprehension gradually.

Cultivate insight into

Suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful process of gaining understanding.

Grasp the concept of

Focuses on comprehending a specific idea or principle.

Familiarize oneself with

Implies becoming acquainted with a subject, often through experience.

Become conversant with

Suggests achieving a level of knowledge that allows for informed discussion.

Get to grips with

An idiomatic expression meaning to understand and deal with something difficult.

Appreciate the nuances of

Highlights the importance of recognizing subtle distinctions.

Comprehend the intricacies of

Emphasizes understanding complex details.

Learn about

A more general term for gaining knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "Gain understanding of" in a sentence?

The phrase "Gain understanding of" is used to indicate the process of acquiring knowledge about a particular subject. For example, "Researchers conduct studies to gain understanding of complex diseases".

What are some alternatives to "Gain understanding of"?

You can use alternatives like "acquire knowledge of", "develop an understanding of", or "cultivate insight into" depending on the context.

Is "Gain understanding of" formal or informal?

While "Gain understanding of" is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, it tends to be more common in formal writing, especially in academic or professional settings. In more informal settings, phrases like "learn about" might be preferred.

Which is correct, "Gain understanding of" or "Gain to understand"?

"Gain understanding of" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Gain to understand" is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English.