a poor understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's lack of knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or topic. Example: "His poor understanding of the subject matter led to several mistakes in his report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both arguments show a poor understanding of what a party is.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, there remains a poor understanding of the full characteristics of pore systems in shales.

Nature

This, in turn, originates from a poor understanding of the genetic composition of M. kansasii.

Nature

The first has to do with a poor understanding of statistics.

The New York Times - Magazine

First, they show a poor understanding of Italian politics in general, and M5S in particular.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a poor understanding of the computational foundations of human intellect.

Cornell University

But we have only a poor understanding of how catalysts actually work.

Stanford University

Some cases of plagiarism stem from a poor understanding of how and when to cite sources.

University of California, Berkeley

The problem is that modern economics has a poor understanding of past movements in home prices.

The New York Times

So let me restate its thesis more explicitly: Experts have a poor understanding of uncertainty.

The New York Times

DSM-III acknowledged that psychiatrists had a poor understanding of the physiological cause of mental illness.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. In formal contexts, it may be more appropriate to use alternatives like "limited comprehension" or "inadequate grasp".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the degree of misunderstanding. Instead of saying someone has "a poor understanding of" a topic when they simply have some misconceptions, opt for phrases like "some misunderstandings about" or "incomplete knowledge of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor understanding of" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a deficiency in knowledge or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a poor understanding of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a lack of knowledge or comprehension about a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is well-established in written English and widely used across multiple contexts. Analysis of the source material reveals that this phrase is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the subject matter and consider your audience. While alternatives like "limited comprehension of" or "inadequate grasp of" can be used for a more formal tone, the core meaning remains consistent: an individual lacks sufficient knowledge in a certain area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited comprehension of

Emphasizes the restricted nature of understanding, focusing on the boundaries of comprehension.

Inadequate grasp of

Highlights the insufficiency in one's ability to seize or understand a concept.

Deficient knowledge about

Directly points out the lack of necessary information regarding a subject.

Superficial acquaintance with

Indicates a shallow level of familiarity, lacking depth and detail.

A weak command of

Stresses the lack of control or mastery over a subject or skill.

A rudimentary awareness of

Suggests a very basic, almost initial, level of understanding.

An imperfect insight into

Focuses on the flawed or incomplete nature of one's perception or understanding.

A blurred perception of

Highlights the indistinct or unclear nature of one's understanding.

A narrow view of

Indicates a limited or restricted perspective, lacking breadth.

Misapprehension regarding

Points to a fundamental misunderstanding or incorrect interpretation of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a poor understanding of" to describe someone's lack of knowledge or comprehension regarding a specific topic. For example, "His "a poor understanding of" the subject led to several errors in his report."

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

Alternatives include "limited comprehension of", "inadequate grasp of", or "deficient knowledge about", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "poor understanding of" or "lack of understanding of"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "lack of understanding of" can sometimes sound more formal or objective, while "a poor understanding of" might imply a degree of inadequacy. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Can "a poor understanding of" lead to negative consequences?

Yes, "a poor understanding of" a subject can lead to mistakes, misinterpretations, and ineffective decision-making in various contexts, from academic to professional settings.