a close understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a deep or thorough understanding of a particular concept or idea. For example: "Gaining a close understanding of data analytics has enabled me to better serve my company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

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

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

Firms cluster together for a variety of reasons: the skills that are available in a particular area, the concentration of specialist services and the venture capital from investors with a close understanding of their market.

The Economist

"Look!" he says, "we are humanising the machine and giving it the ability not only to look at data but, based on general ideas of what is important and a close understanding of who the audience is, we are giving it the tools to know how to tell us stories".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

"Derek Walcott handles English with a closer understanding of its inner magic than most (if not any) of his English-born contemporaries," said Robert Graves of Walcott's "Selected Poems," published in 1964.

The New Yorker

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, pair "a close understanding of" with specific areas of expertise or subject matters. This makes the statement more impactful and less generic.

Common error

Avoid using "a close understanding of" when your familiarity is superficial. Use softer phrases like "awareness of" or "basic knowledge of" if you only have a general understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the state of possessing thorough knowledge about a particular subject or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close understanding of" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies a detailed and nuanced knowledge of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples of its use in various contexts. While not extremely frequent, it is common enough to be recognized and understood across different registers, especially in news, scientific, and business domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of understanding described is genuinely detailed, avoiding overstatements and maintaining precision in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep comprehension of

Focuses on the depth of understanding, emphasizing thoroughness.

an intimate knowledge of

Suggests a very personal and detailed familiarity.

a thorough grasp of

Emphasizes control and command over the subject matter.

a comprehensive awareness of

Highlights the breadth and scope of understanding.

a fine appreciation of

Implies a refined and sensitive understanding, often of nuanced details.

a working knowledge of

Focuses on practical, usable understanding rather than theoretical depth.

a detailed insight into

Highlights specific, in-depth perceptions and understanding.

a sensitive appreciation of

Emphasizes emotional intelligence and empathy in understanding.

a nuanced perception of

Highlights the ability to discern subtle differences and complexities.

a profound recognition of

Emphasizes a deep and significant understanding, often of implications.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close understanding of" to describe someone's expertise or knowledge in a particular area. For example: "The project's success hinged on having a close understanding of the client's needs."

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

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

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

Both "close understanding" and "deep understanding" are valid, but they emphasize different aspects. "Close understanding" suggests familiarity and attention to detail, while "deep understanding" emphasizes the thoroughness and complexity of knowledge.

What does it mean to have "a close understanding of" something?

To have "a close understanding of" something means possessing a detailed, intimate, and nuanced knowledge of it, allowing for accurate interpretation and application of that knowledge.