a better understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

'a better understanding of' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example: "She sought to gain a better understanding of the repercussions of her decision".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A better understanding of customers.

Harvard Business Review

Toward a better understanding of subjective distance.

Cornell University

"He has a better understanding of what we're doing.

The New York Times - Sports

Needs to gain a better understanding of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"We just need a better understanding of their performance".

The New York Times

First off, get a better understanding of what it is.

The Guardian

"I'm just having a better understanding of the pitchers".

The New York Times - Sports

A better understanding of therapeutic mechanisms is urgently needed.

Nature

He has a better understanding of what's going on.

The New York Times - Sports

A better understanding of CFS is surely needed.

The Economist

The first is a better understanding of the homeless population.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a better understanding of" to introduce a shift towards improved knowledge or insight, especially after initial confusion or lack of awareness.

Common error

Avoid using "a better understanding of" in situations where a simple "understanding of" would suffice; reserving it for instances where a distinct improvement in comprehension is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a better understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It highlights the concept of improved comprehension or knowledge. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a better understanding of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that expresses improved knowledge or insight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a perfectly acceptable phrase for various contexts. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic sources. When writing, consider using it to highlight a shift toward enhanced comprehension, and avoid overuse in simple contexts where "understanding of" would suffice. The alternatives like "improved comprehension of" or "deeper insight into" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improved comprehension of

Focuses on the act of grasping meaning more effectively.

enhanced knowledge of

Emphasizes the growth in information and awareness about a subject.

deeper insight into

Suggests a more profound or penetrating understanding.

greater awareness of

Highlights an increased consciousness or recognition of something.

more complete grasp of

Implies a thorough and comprehensive understanding.

clearer perception of

Stresses improved clarity in perceiving or interpreting something.

refined appreciation for

Indicates a more subtle and sophisticated understanding.

heightened sensitivity to

Suggests an increased ability to perceive nuances and subtleties.

expanded awareness regarding

Focuses on broadening one's knowledge or consciousness about something.

advanced command of

Implies a high level of skill and understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "a better understanding of" to introduce a topic or concept that requires improved knowledge or insight. For example, "The training program aims to provide "a better understanding of" the new software".

What are some alternatives to "a better understanding of"?

You can use alternatives such as "improved comprehension of", "enhanced knowledge of", or "deeper insight into", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a better understanding of"?

While grammatically correct, using "a better understanding of" might be redundant if the context already implies an improvement in understanding. In such cases, simply "understanding of" might be more concise.

What is the difference between "understanding of" and "a better understanding of"?

"Understanding of" refers to a general comprehension of a topic. "A better understanding of", on the other hand, suggests an improved or more profound level of comprehension compared to a previous state or a general baseline.