a full understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a full understanding of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has a thorough understanding about a certain topic or concept. For example: "My boss has a full understanding of the company's financial regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A full understanding of the actions of CORMs is vital to understand their toxic effects.

Antioxidants and Redox Signaling

However, these findings aren't enough for a full understanding of what humans are.

The New York Times

JJ had never before practiced swallowing candies with a full understanding of why.

Independent

In some instances, the members did not even appear to have a full understanding of the facts.

The New York Times - Sports

To not make room for that now is to dismiss a full understanding of the cruelty of slavery.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I just want to have a full understanding of what the situation was between the Met and News International".

The Guardian

She has a full understanding of learning disability and takes her time to listen to me and asks my opinion.

The Guardian

And if there wasn't a full understanding of that 8 or 10 years ago, there certainly is now".

The New York Times

It is not hard to see why a full understanding of the strong force has eluded theorists for decades.

The New York Times - Science

Frustrated by his lack of a full understanding of what he was doing professionally, Dr. Berns returned to school.

The New York Times - Tech

He was getting closer and closer to a full understanding of the inner workings of the atomic bomb.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a full understanding of" to convey a comprehensive and thorough grasp of a subject, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a full understanding of" when you only possess partial knowledge; instead, opt for phrases like "some understanding of" or "basic knowledge of" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a full understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig examples show it indicating a complete and thorough comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a full understanding of" is a versatile noun phrase that signifies complete and thorough comprehension, commonly found in both scientific and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While it conveys a sense of comprehensive knowledge, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding overstatements. Alternatives like "a complete grasp of" or "a thorough knowledge of" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. When writing, ensure the context justifies the claim of full understanding, and avoid substituting it for partial knowledge to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A complete grasp of

Focuses on the act of taking hold of understanding, implying a secure and firm comprehension.

A thorough knowledge of

Emphasizes the depth and extent of information known about a subject.

A comprehensive awareness of

Highlights the breadth of understanding, covering all aspects of a subject.

A deep insight into

Suggests a profound and penetrating understanding, going beyond the surface level.

A profound appreciation of

Highlights not only understanding but also valuing and recognizing the importance of something.

An extensive understanding of

Focuses on the broad scope and reach of one's understanding.

A holistic view of

Implies understanding something by seeing its connection to a bigger picture.

A full appreciation for

Highlights the positive acknowledgement and understanding of something.

A detailed insight into

Emphasizes a granular perspective on subject.

A complete command of

Indicates a mastery and authoritative understanding of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a full understanding of" to emphasize a comprehensive grasp of a topic, as in, "The success of the project requires "a full understanding of" the market dynamics".

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

Alternatives include "a complete grasp of", "a thorough knowledge of", or "a comprehensive awareness of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a complete understanding of" or "a full understanding of"?

Both "a complete understanding of" and ""a full understanding of"" are acceptable and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although ""a full understanding of"" might subtly emphasize depth.

When is it appropriate to use "a full understanding of" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in any formal context where you need to highlight a comprehensive and in-depth comprehension of a subject matter, ensuring precision and clarity. For instance, "A full understanding of the legal implications is crucial before proceeding".