a clean understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express clarity or thoroughness in comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "After the meeting, I felt I had a clean understanding of the project's requirements and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Have a clean understanding of how you'll get there," he says.

The Guardian - Money

Sidney Redner, a professor of physics at Boston University who has also worked on modeling how groups split apart, says the researchers' work is very sophisticated, but there's a long way to go before we have a clean understanding of the process.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Have a clear understanding of Christianity.

WikiHow

Paul Gruber from the Erb Institute states that the The Clean Tech Revolution is logically organized and is "an excellent resource for those who would like a solid understanding of clean tech and the potential of each sector".

Wikipedia

Add the fact that you're getting a greater understanding of good, clean and fair food only accentuates the positives of Wwoofing as a family.

The Guardian - Travel

A clean bill of health.

Princeton University

"A clean bill of health", "a clean record", "clean sweep", or "good clean fun" evoke wholesome flawlessness, renewal or order.

The Economist

Building a clean database of only MAC scaffolds would greatly facilitate physical mapping [ 35] and genome finishing, and would also be useful for annotation and for understanding how the MAC genome is formed from its MIC precursor.

BMC Genomics

A proper understanding of the nature of gas liquid interface (clean or contaminated) is desired for the reliable predictions of the added mass coefficient.

Chemical Engineering Science

For some areas that have aggressively promoted the use of so-called clean alternative fuels such as CNG without a complete understanding of their emissions profiles, these findings call for an additional consideration by Arey and other atmospheric chemists.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Mr. Donaldson and other commissioners said Mr. Nicolaisen's experience at a major accounting firm gave him an inside understanding of the changes needed to clean up the profession.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "a clean understanding of" with "a clear grasp of" for simpler situations or "a thorough comprehension of" when more in-depth knowledge is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean understanding of" when a basic familiarity would suffice. Overstating the depth might create unrealistic expectations or seem pretentious. Opt for phrases like "familiarity with" or "basic knowledge of" if only introductory level is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean understanding of" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing the state of having a thorough and accurate comprehension. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clean understanding of" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express a thorough and accurate comprehension of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly frequent, it appears in diverse contexts, from news articles to academic papers. When writing, ensure that you're emphasizing a lack of ambiguity in comprehension, and consider alternatives like "a clear grasp of" or "a thorough comprehension of" based on the specific nuances you intend to convey. Be mindful not to overstate the level of understanding if a simpler term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear grasp of

Emphasizes ease and directness of understanding.

a thorough comprehension of

Highlights the completeness and depth of understanding.

a solid knowledge of

Focuses on the firm foundation of information possessed.

an accurate perception of

Stresses the correctness and truthfulness of the understanding.

a precise awareness of

Highlights exactness and attention to detail in understanding.

a well-defined understanding of

Emphasizes that the understanding is structured and articulated.

an intimate familiarity with

Suggests a deep and personal level of understanding.

a comprehensive insight into

Implies a broad and complete understanding with added intuition.

a nuanced appreciation of

Conveys a sophisticated and subtle understanding.

a lucid interpretation of

Focuses on the clarity and intelligibility of the understanding, especially in complex subjects.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clean understanding of" to describe a clear and thorough comprehension of a subject. For example, "It's important to have a clean understanding of the company's financial situation before making any investment decisions."

What can I say instead of "a clean understanding of"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear grasp of", "a thorough comprehension of", or "a solid knowledge of" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a clean understanding of" or "a clear understanding of"?

Both "a clean understanding of" and "a clear understanding of" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Clean" suggests a complete and unadulterated understanding, while "clear" implies easily perceived and unambiguous. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a clean understanding of" and "an intimate familiarity with"?

"A clean understanding of" emphasizes accuracy and thoroughness in grasping a concept. On the other hand, "an intimate familiarity with" suggests a deeper, more personal and experiential knowledge.