a clear understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing knowledge or comprehension of a certain topic. For example, "The teacher's explanation of the concept provided a clear understanding of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without a clear understanding of these activities it is impossible to explain and understand biological invasions.

Environmental Sciences Europe

None had a clear understanding of their rights.

The New York Times

He has a clear understanding of what our program is.

The New York Times - Sports

So she has a clear understanding of working with children.

The Guardian - Film

A clear understanding of their fundamental causes can minimize defects.

Foundry Technology

The modular structure means you cover the ground systematically, with a clear understanding of context.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without a clear understanding of yeasts, brewers of yore had relatively little control over their product.

The New York Times - Food

The American people still do not have a clear understanding of why we are in Iraq.

The New York Times

Anyone who watched it would have a clear understanding of what Britain is.

The Guardian - Sport

Have a clear understanding of programme and project timescales as well as outcomes and performance measures.

The Guardian

Without a clear understanding of who is ahead, programs like Deep Blue stutter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in your writing, ensure that after using the phrase "a clear understanding of", you clearly specify what needs to be understood. This makes your writing more impactful and less ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear understanding of" without specifying the subject matter. For example, instead of saying "It is important to have a clear understanding of this", specify "It is important to have a clear understanding of the project's objectives."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces the idea that someone possesses comprehensive knowledge or comprehension of a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear understanding of" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that highlights the importance of having comprehensive knowledge on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts, ranging from academic and scientific writing to news articles and business communication. When using this phrase, ensure that you specify the subject matter to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a clear comprehension of" or "a thorough grasp of" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a clear understanding of" to enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear comprehension of

Replaces "understanding" with "comprehension", emphasizing the mental grasp of the subject.

a thorough grasp of

Substitutes "clear understanding" with "thorough grasp", highlighting a comprehensive and firm understanding.

a solid knowledge of

Replaces "understanding" with "knowledge", focusing on acquired information and awareness.

a firm grasp of

Similar to "thorough grasp" but emphasizes the stability and certainty of the understanding.

a deep insight into

Shifts the focus to "insight", suggesting a profound and penetrating understanding.

a strong awareness of

Uses "awareness" instead of "understanding", highlighting a conscious recognition and perception.

a good command of

Implies a mastery and control over the subject matter, going beyond mere understanding.

an intimate knowledge of

Emphasizes a close and detailed familiarity with the subject.

a working knowledge of

Focuses on practical knowledge and the ability to use information effectively.

a practical understanding of

Highlights the application of knowledge in real-world situations.

FAQs

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

Use "a clear understanding of" to introduce the subject or concept that needs to be well comprehended. For instance, "A clear understanding of the basic principles is crucial for success."

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

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

Is it better to use "clear understanding" or "thorough understanding"?

Both "clear understanding" and "thorough understanding" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Clear understanding" highlights the absence of confusion, while "thorough understanding" emphasizes the completeness of knowledge. Choose the one that better fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a deep insight into" instead of "a clear understanding of"?

"A deep insight into" is appropriate when you want to emphasize a profound and penetrating understanding that goes beyond the surface level. For example, "A deep insight into human behavior is essential for effective leadership", whereas "A clear understanding of the project timeline" focuses on straightforward comprehension.