a close understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a deep or thorough comprehension of a subject or situation. Example: "After many discussions, we developed a close understanding of the project's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Most of my songs, I think if you were to put all the words down and try to understand what the song means I think you could get a close understanding but I don't write these perfect understandable pop songs.

Huffington Post

The center, the guards, and the tackles rely on a close understanding of one another, physical and otherwise.

The New Yorker

By accompanying these men across the decades we gain a close understanding of many of the country's internal debates.

The New York Times - Books

Mentor of Rhodes, who had helped betray Sidon, rose high in the king's favour and entered into a close understanding with the eunuch Bagoas, the king's favourite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Analysts said then that the company, which sold its military business in 1999, had plunged into buying phone-equipment companies like the Reltec Corporation of Cleveland and Fore Systems of Pittsburgh without a close understanding of the industry.

The New York Times

Because interception and property warrants must be approved personally by a secretary of state, MI5, MI6 and GCHQ maintain a close working relationship with senior ministers, and ministers gain a close understanding of the agencies' work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

9.11pm BST Post script I have talked to somebody with a closer understanding of the legal situation.

The Guardian

A Syrian rebel offensive led by Jabhat al-Nusra was allegedly masterminded from an operational headquarters inside Turkey and was the outcome of a closer understanding between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Independent

A career built along these lines will allow more freedom of thought, more opportunities to undertake work that contributes to society rather than an institution's reputation, and a closer understanding of the real issues in practice.

The Guardian

He is a onetime investment manager, and in previous New Orleans postings bought homes in the French Quarter and the Irish Channel neighborhood, reportedly to gain a closer understanding of the city's character.

The New York Times

Robert Graves described Walcott's skill with similar force, writing that he "handles English with a closer understanding of its inner magic than most (if not any) of his English-born contemporaries".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close understanding" when you want to emphasize the depth and accuracy of someone's comprehension. For instance, "The success of the project relied on the team having "a close understanding" of the client's needs".

Common error

Avoid using "a close understanding" when describing a superficial knowledge. Reserve it for situations where genuine, in-depth comprehension is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "close" modifies the noun "understanding". According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express a thorough and detailed comprehension of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close understanding" is a useful phrase for describing a detailed and thorough comprehension of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in contexts such as news and media, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives such as "deep comprehension" or "intimate grasp" exist, "a close understanding" emphasizes both the depth and accuracy of the knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a profound level of comprehension, rather than superficial knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep comprehension

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of understanding.

an intimate grasp

Suggests a very personal and thorough understanding, almost instinctive.

a thorough insight

Highlights the penetrating and comprehensive nature of the understanding.

a firm handle

Implies a secure and confident understanding, with an ability to manage or apply it.

a comprehensive knowledge

Focuses on the breadth and completeness of the knowledge base.

an acute awareness

Stresses a sharp and perceptive understanding, often of subtle details.

a refined perception

Highlights the subtlety and precision of the understanding.

a nuanced appreciation

Emphasizes the ability to recognize and understand subtle differences and complexities.

a working knowledge

Suggests a practical understanding sufficient for a particular purpose.

an instinctive feel

Implies a natural, intuitive understanding gained through experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close understanding" to describe a thorough and detailed comprehension of a subject. For example: "The scientist had "a close understanding" of quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "a close understanding"?

Alternatives include "deep comprehension", "intimate grasp", or "thorough insight", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a close understanding" or "a deep understanding"?

Both "a close understanding" and "deep understanding" are correct, but "a close understanding" suggests a more personal and nuanced level of comprehension than just a "deep understanding".

What's the difference between "a close understanding" and "a working knowledge"?

"A close understanding" implies a detailed and comprehensive grasp of a subject, while "working knowledge" indicates sufficient understanding for practical application. The first is more in-depth, while the second is more practical.