a common understanding that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common understanding that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a shared agreement or consensus among a group regarding a particular idea or concept. Example: "There is a common understanding that teamwork is essential for the success of any project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

There was a common understanding that a university was a public institution dedicated to teaching, research and the free exchange of ideas.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is a common understanding that there needs to be greater collaboration and better integration between the various parties in the design and construction process," she says.

The Guardian

Like the black British community from which it had sprung, there was a common understanding that it was here to stay.

The Guardian

The memo states that the Five-Eyes agreement "has evolved to include a common understanding that both governments will not target each other's citizens/persons".

The Guardian

"[The 1946 UKUSA] agreement has evolved to include a common understanding that both governments will not target each other's citizens/persons.

The Guardian

summit in February, Kiev and Brussels are building upon a common understanding that Ukraine needs to demonstrate determined action and tangible progress on a number of key issues.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"What are you doing?" might prompt the answer "Standing outside" from a computer, whereas a human would respond "Fire alarm" – recognising the common understanding that exists between the speakers.

The Guardian - Tech

Although the definition of tight oil is distinct, a common understanding is that tight oil accumulates in low-porosity and low-permeability reservoirs and it can be recovered economically only by artificial stimulation (Pang et al. 2014).

Petroleum Science

Worse, they have left us without a common understanding or language that might help us to end them.

Huffington Post

A common understanding is that auditors are independent of the company and its directors and thus in a position to make impartial judgements.

The Guardian - Opinion

A common understanding is that for Leibniz apperception is distinctive of spirits, and is not present in even the highest of animals beneath humans.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a common understanding that", ensure that the understanding is genuinely shared among the relevant parties. Provide context or evidence to support the claim of a shared understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a common understanding that" when the understanding is only prevalent within a specific group or context. Clarify the scope of the understanding to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common understanding that" functions as a connector, introducing a clause that expresses a shared agreement or assumption. It sets the stage for presenting information that is generally accepted among a specific group. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across various domains, demonstrating its versatile use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a common understanding that" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce shared agreements or assumptions across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business domains. When employing this phrase, ensure the understanding is genuinely shared and avoid assuming universality. Alternatives like "a shared belief that" or "a mutual agreement that" can be used to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a common understanding that" to establish a solid foundation for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared perception that

This alternative replaces 'understanding' with 'perception', focusing on a shared awareness or viewpoint.

a mutual agreement that

This alternative substitutes 'understanding' with 'agreement', emphasizing a formal or explicit consensus.

a general consensus that

This phrase uses 'consensus' instead of 'understanding', highlighting a broader agreement among a group.

a widespread belief that

This alternative emphasizes the prevalence of the belief rather than the understanding itself.

a prevailing view that

This option shifts the focus to the dominance of a particular viewpoint or opinion.

an accepted notion that

Using 'notion' instead of 'understanding' suggests a widely accepted idea or concept.

a recognized principle that

This alternative frames the understanding as a fundamental rule or guideline.

a shared conviction that

Replacing 'understanding' with 'conviction' emphasizes a strong belief held by multiple parties.

a collective assumption that

This phrase frames the understanding as something assumed by a group, which may or may not be explicitly stated.

an implicit assumption that

This option suggests the shared understanding is not openly expressed but rather implied or understood without direct communication.

FAQs

How can I use "a common understanding that" in a sentence?

You can use "a common understanding that" to introduce a shared belief or agreement. For example, "There is a common understanding that hard work leads to success".

What are some alternatives to "a common understanding that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a shared belief that", "a mutual agreement that", or "a general consensus that", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state the "common understanding"?

While not always necessary, explicitly stating the "common understanding" can prevent ambiguity and ensure everyone is on the same page, especially in formal or critical contexts.

How does "a common understanding that" differ from "common knowledge that"?

"A common understanding that" implies a shared interpretation or agreement, while "common knowledge that" refers to facts or information generally known and accepted by most people.