a general understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a general understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a basic or overall comprehension of a subject or topic. Example: "To succeed in this course, students should have a general understanding of the principles of economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a general understanding of love".

The Guardian - Music

Engineers believe they have a general understanding of why the World Trade Center towers fell.

The New York Times - Science

Her lead lawyer, Gerard Hanlon, said she had only a general understanding of the charges.

The New York Times

Szirtes thinks he was helped by a general understanding of the political situation in Hungary and sympathy with Hungarian refugees.

The Guardian

To fully grasp the depths of a capologist's work, one must have a general understanding of the basics.

The New York Times - Sports

Below, some questions based on the article that might help provide a general understanding of this news.

The New York Times

I also think that foreigners have a general understanding of China, such as what's going on there politically or economically.

The New York Times

We currently only have a general understanding of the biology of Ebola, and we are lacking key specifics that would enable us to combat it more effectively.

The New Yorker

Modeled on a general understanding of how the human brain works, it has helped technologists make rapid progress in a wide range of A.I. fields.

The New York Times - Tech

Sustainable waste management during operation, closure, and reclamation requires a general understanding of tailings consolidation.

Environmental Systems Research

The only prerequisite is basic programming knowledge, a proficiency in Python and ideally a general understanding of machine learning.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, ensure that the context clarifies the scope of the "general understanding". Specify the area or subject to which the understanding pertains to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience possesses "a general understanding of" a topic. Briefly introduce necessary background information to ensure comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a foundational level of comprehension, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general understanding of" is a versatile noun phrase indicating a basic level of comprehension across diverse subjects. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, making it appropriate for various writing styles, from academic to informal. While it's prevalent in scientific and news contexts, ensuring clarity and avoiding assumptions of prior knowledge are key to effective communication. Consider alternatives like "a basic grasp of" or "a working knowledge of" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic understanding of

Focuses on the foundational aspect of comprehension.

a broad understanding of

Emphasizes the extensive scope of knowledge.

a working knowledge of

Highlights the practical application of the knowledge.

a rudimentary grasp of

Indicates a very basic and initial level of comprehension.

a superficial awareness of

Suggests a shallow or surface-level knowledge.

an overall sense of

Implies a feeling or intuition about a topic, rather than detailed knowledge.

a familiarity with

Suggests acquaintance or recognition rather than deep comprehension.

a passing acquaintance with

Indicates a brief and casual understanding.

a light appreciation of

Implies a mild or gentle understanding, often in the context of art or culture.

an elementary conception of

Highlights that the idea of something is simple, and not advanced.

FAQs

How do you use "a general understanding of" in a sentence?

Use "a general understanding of" to indicate a basic or introductory level of knowledge about a subject. For example: "To appreciate the art, you need "a general understanding of" its historical context."

What can I say instead of "a general understanding of"?

You can use alternatives like "a basic grasp of", "a broad knowledge of", or "a working knowledge of" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a general understanding of" and "a detailed understanding of"?

"A general understanding of" implies a basic or overview level of knowledge, while "a detailed understanding of" suggests a more in-depth and comprehensive knowledge.

Is it appropriate to use "a general understanding of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a general understanding of" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to convey that someone has a basic or introductory level of knowledge. In some cases, for higher level of writing, you can consider "a fundamental understanding of" instead.