a definitive understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a clear and certain comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "To succeed in this field, one must have a definitive understanding of the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It does not claim to offer a definitive understanding of events, only an outsider's view.

The New York Times

So it's crucial that employers have clear rules about proper disclosure of the fees in such plans and a definitive understanding of when those fees are excessive.

The New York Times

And even a definitive understanding of neurobiology would not necessarily shed light on the interactions between genetics and environment that lead to many mental disorders.

The New York Times - Health

A definitive understanding of how grain size affects the corrosion rate and passivity of different metallic alloys has not been developed to date.

Scripta Materialia

Thus, a definitive understanding of Bcc virulence remains elusive.

Plosone

A definitive understanding of the interplay between exercise, cognition and mortality would require a long-term, randomized controlled trial.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Thus, while the literature is highly suggestive of the role of ovarian hormones in modulating CNCP conditions, serious confounds impede a definitive understanding for most conditions except menstrual migraine and endometriosis.

PAIN®

The crystal structures of PCNA bound to p21 peptides have been described, but again a definitive understanding for the stoichiometry is lacking.

British Journal of Cancer

While the midnight blast delivered a swift and irrevocable blow, any definitive understanding of what caused it has been painfully slow.

Huffington Post

Further descriptions of the genomic organization of LWS opsin genes in a broader range of species will provide a more definitive understanding of the evolutionary relationships between these genes.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

A more definitive understanding of the dose response relation can be gained using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design.

BMC Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a definitive understanding of", ensure that the context supports the claim of certainty and completeness. Avoid using it when acknowledging ongoing research or incomplete knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "a definitive understanding of" when the understanding is still evolving or based on preliminary data. Instead, opt for phrases like "a better understanding of" or "an improved understanding of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive understanding of" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of comprehension. It suggests a complete, clear, and certain grasp of a particular subject or concept. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a definitive understanding of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a clear, complete, and certain grasp of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in various contexts, especially within scientific, academic, and news-related domains. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the implied certainty and completeness. Overstating the certainty when the understanding is still evolving should be avoided, and alternative phrasing such as "a developing understanding of" might be more appropriate. Considering alternative phrases like "a clear comprehension of" or "a thorough grasp of" can enhance clarity and accuracy in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear comprehension of

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding, rather than the finality.

a thorough grasp of

Highlights the completeness and depth of understanding.

a complete mastery of

Focuses on expertise and control over the subject matter.

a firm handle on

Implies a secure and confident understanding.

a solid foundation in

Suggests a stable and reliable understanding.

an in-depth knowledge of

Stresses the detailed and comprehensive nature of the understanding.

a precise awareness of

Emphasizes accuracy and attention to detail in the understanding.

a comprehensive overview of

Focuses on a broad and inclusive understanding of the topic.

an exact interpretation of

Highlights the accuracy and correctness of the understanding.

a conclusive interpretation of

Indicates the completeness, and ending possible interpretations or hypothesis of a topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definitive understanding of" to describe a clear and certain comprehension of a topic. For example, "The research aims to achieve a definitive understanding of the disease's progression."

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

You can use alternatives like "a clear comprehension of", "a thorough grasp of", or "a complete mastery of" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a definitive understanding of" and "a reasonable understanding of"?

"A definitive understanding of" implies a complete and certain comprehension, whereas "a reasonable understanding of" suggests a partial or adequate, but not necessarily complete, comprehension.

Is it appropriate to use "a definitive understanding of" when discussing ongoing research?

It's generally not appropriate, as ongoing research often implies that the understanding is still evolving. It's better to use phrases that acknowledge the evolving nature of the understanding, such as "a developing understanding of".