a complete understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the depth of knowledge or comprehension someone has about a particular subject or topic. Example: "To excel in this field, one must have a complete understanding of the underlying principles and theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Develop a complete understanding of the system.

Harvard Business Review

She had a complete understanding of the signifiers.

The New Yorker

Bioengineers lack a complete understanding of what the organ does.

MIT Technology Review

His goal was a complete understanding of the universe.

The Guardian

You get a complete understanding of the brand".

The New York Times

Do we need to have a complete understanding of why we went to war there?

The New York Times

A complete understanding of these last fewyears will be a challenge for journalists, politicalscientists, and historians.

The New York Times - Books

Today as much as ever Mr. Bergonzi has a complete understanding of vocal technique.

The New York Times

In the story, you, too, have a complete understanding of those signifiers.

The New Yorker

Agency officials didn't have a "complete understanding" of Clinton's email practices, the official said.

The Washington Post

But medical treatments rarely wait on a complete understanding of how the body works.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about complex subjects, use "a complete understanding of" to emphasize the necessity of having thorough knowledge before making decisions or taking action.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete understanding of" when referring to areas where knowledge is inherently limited or evolving. Instead, acknowledge the nuances and remaining uncertainties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete understanding of" functions as a noun phrase often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It emphasizes the depth and comprehensiveness of knowledge required for a particular subject or action. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete understanding of" is a versatile and correct phrase frequently employed to underscore the importance of having thorough knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in science, news and media, and formal business settings, it emphasizes the need for deep comprehension. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to avoid overstating the extent of one's understanding, especially in fields where knowledge is constantly evolving. Using alternatives such as "a thorough grasp of" or "an in-depth knowledge of" can provide subtle nuances in meaning. With over 50 examples available, its frequency underscores its relevance in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough grasp of

Focuses on the act of seizing and holding knowledge firmly, suggesting a more active and practical understanding.

an in-depth knowledge of

Emphasizes the extensive and detailed nature of the knowledge possessed.

a comprehensive knowledge of

Highlights the breadth and inclusiveness of the understanding.

a profound insight into

Suggests a deeper, more penetrating level of understanding that goes beyond surface-level knowledge.

a deep appreciation for

Implies not only understanding but also valuing and recognizing the importance or complexity of something.

a strong command of

Conveys a sense of mastery and control over the subject matter.

a working knowledge of

Indicates a practical understanding sufficient for performing tasks or functioning effectively.

a familiarity with

Suggests a basic level of understanding or awareness, without necessarily implying expertise.

an awareness of

Highlights a general consciousness or recognition of something, often implying a preliminary stage of understanding.

a clear perception of

Emphasizes the accuracy and clarity of one's understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complete understanding of" to emphasize the importance of thorough knowledge. For example: "To implement this strategy successfully, a complete understanding of the market dynamics is essential."

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

Alternatives include "a thorough grasp of", "an in-depth knowledge of", or "a comprehensive knowledge of", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it always necessary to have "a complete understanding of" a topic before acting?

While striving for thorough knowledge is beneficial, sometimes decisions must be made with only "a working knowledge of" a subject, particularly when facing time constraints or incomplete information.

What's the difference between "a complete understanding of" and "an awareness of"?

"A complete understanding of" implies comprehensive knowledge and comprehension, whereas "an awareness of" suggests a basic recognition or consciousness of something, often without detailed knowledge.