a complex understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a nuanced or detailed comprehension of a particular subject or concept. Example: "To excel in this field, one must develop a complex understanding of the underlying theories and principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

His poems required a complex understanding of Russian.

The New Yorker

From this roughshod Europe of the mind, Cather also emerged with a complex understanding of American identity.

The New Yorker

Teasing out climate patterns from tree rings requires a complex understanding of statistics, biology and climatology.

The New York Times

Interns gain a complex understanding of IP marketing and acquire insights to the legal side of technology licensing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Because a complex understanding of the world remains beyond the ability of computers, more-efficient vision-processing algorithms are needed to help them mimic human vision and intelligence.

MIT Technology Review

Adaptation to climate change requires urban water providers to develop a complex understanding of how temperature affects water use patterns.

Applied Geography

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The work of delirium prevention as a meaningful set of practices posed even more difficult challenges for staff, since prevention necessitates a more complex understanding of a problem than how to manage it.

BMC Health Services Research

Officer McGarry came to policing as a young man with a more complex understanding of bad people than some.

The New York Times

He is an artist who has a very complex understanding of medium and media that I can follow pretty well.

Vice

As an alternative, Epstein demonstrates how a more complex understanding of gift-exchange and social obligation is necessary to appreciate Chaucer's many-sided perspective.

University of Chicago

The emphasis on models in the biological sciences has been accompanied by a new focus on conceptual issues and a more complex understanding of epistemological concepts.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a complex understanding of", ensure that you can elaborate on the specific nuances and details that make the understanding complex. Avoid using it as a general statement without supporting information.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex understanding of" as a placeholder for actual analysis or insight. Always specify what makes the understanding complex to maintain credibility and provide value to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it indicates a sophisticated level of comprehension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

40%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complex understanding of" is a noun phrase used to describe a deep and nuanced comprehension of a subject. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and highlights its common use across academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you can articulate the specific aspects that make the understanding complex. Alternatives include "a nuanced grasp of" or "an intricate knowledge of". Avoid using it as a vague filler; instead, provide concrete details to support your claim of complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nuanced grasp of

Replaces "understanding" with "grasp" and "complex" with "nuanced", emphasizing subtlety and detail in comprehension.

an intricate knowledge of

Substitutes "understanding" with "knowledge" and "complex" with "intricate", highlighting the detailed and interconnected nature of the information.

a deep appreciation for

Shifts the focus from understanding to valuing and recognizing the importance of something, suggesting a more profound connection.

a comprehensive awareness of

Replaces "understanding" with "awareness" and "complex" with "comprehensive", stressing the breadth and completeness of knowledge.

a sophisticated insight into

Emphasizes the advanced and refined nature of the comprehension, focusing on a deeper level of analysis.

an elaborate perception of

Uses "perception" instead of "understanding", indicating a more sensory and interpretive mode of comprehension.

a thorough command of

Indicates complete mastery and control over a subject, rather than just understanding.

a multifaceted perspective on

Highlights the multiple angles and dimensions considered in understanding a topic.

an exhaustive analysis of

Shifts the focus to a detailed and comprehensive examination, rather than general understanding.

a profound cognition of

Uses a more formal term "cognition" instead of understanding which implies a deeper and more intellectual process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complex understanding of" to describe someone's deep and nuanced knowledge of a particular subject. For example, "The researcher demonstrated "a complex understanding of" quantum physics."

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

Alternatives include "a nuanced grasp of", "an intricate knowledge of", or "a deep appreciation for", depending on the specific context.

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

While both are acceptable, "complex understanding" emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the comprehension, whereas "deep understanding" suggests a profound level of insight. The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to highlight.

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

Having "a complex understanding of" something means possessing a detailed, nuanced, and multifaceted comprehension that goes beyond simple facts or surface-level knowledge. It involves grasping the interconnectedness of various elements and their implications.