a practical understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a hands-on or applicable knowledge of a subject or skill. Example: "To succeed in this role, you need a practical understanding of project management principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Selby and Kagawa (2012) recognized the importance of including risk knowledge in the school curriculum and argued that learners must have a practical understanding of key DRR practices, including EWS, hazard mapping and knowledge about past disasters.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

His twin brother, Ted, is the director of the Dimon Institute in New York which "seeks to understand man's potential to live consciously and holistically through a practical understanding of the human organism in action".

The Guardian - Business

Alberti's weapons were chiefly words, but he also acquired a practical understanding of the arts.

The New York Times - Books

Gain a practical understanding of grammar and the logic governing syntax and punctuation use.

University of California, Berkeley

Designed to provide a practical understanding of the skills of improvisation and their application to leadership.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Interdisciplinary, providing a practical understanding of the interpretation of well logs.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

As a coach, she combines a deeply practical understanding of "traditional success" with an awareness of the emotional and spiritual underpinnings that make success possible and joyful.

HuffPost

When combined, these elements can provide a practical understanding and prediction of how and where water in the vadose zone will typically move within a landscape.

Geoderma

They cannot do this unless they have a practical understanding and experience of road construction and equipment management.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Fourth, can organizations including ADA and USPSTF reach a common, practical understanding of what constitutes a reasonable approach to diabetes screening, so that primary care providers will have one, instead of multiple guidelines to follow?

Diabetes Care

When I worked for him — briefly — and then covered him, he made an impression because underneath his waspy, patrician manner he had a very practical understanding of his own limitations, and as a result, Mr. Bradley, 59, is a bit of a brain collector, seeking out intellectual talent and listening closely at every turn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "a practical understanding of" with verbs like 'gain', 'develop', or 'acquire' to describe the process of learning actionable information.

Common error

Avoid using "a practical understanding of" when referring to purely theoretical or academic knowledge. Instead, reserve it for situations where the emphasis is on hands-on application and real-world use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the ability to apply knowledge effectively in real-world situations, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a practical understanding of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the application of knowledge in real-world situations. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including academia, news, and science. The phrase highlights the ability to translate theoretical knowledge into actionable insights. When writing, it's important to distinguish between theoretical knowledge and "a practical understanding of", using the phrase appropriately when emphasizing hands-on application. Consider using alternatives like "a hands-on grasp of" or "a working knowledge of" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an applied understanding of

Focuses on the application of knowledge rather than just theoretical understanding.

a hands-on grasp of

Emphasizes direct experience and skill in applying knowledge.

a working knowledge of

Highlights the ability to use knowledge effectively in a professional context.

a functional awareness of

Stresses being aware of how something works in practice.

a pragmatic awareness of

Focuses on practical implications and real-world considerations.

a concrete appreciation of

Highlights a deep, realistic grasp of concepts.

an actionable insight into

Emphasizes insights that can be directly translated into action.

a viable comprehension of

Highlights the ability to understand and apply knowledge effectively.

a serviceable expertise in

Stresses the ability to effectively apply specialized knowledge.

an operational command of

Implies complete mastery and practical control over something.

FAQs

How can I improve my "a practical understanding of" a subject?

Engage in hands-on activities, real-world projects, and seek opportunities to apply your knowledge in practical settings. Supplement theoretical learning with experiential learning to enhance your "a practical understanding of" the subject.

What's the difference between "a theoretical understanding of" and "a practical understanding of"?

"A theoretical understanding of" involves knowing the concepts and principles, while "a practical understanding of" involves knowing how to apply those concepts effectively in real-world situations.

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

You can use alternatives like "a hands-on grasp of", "a working knowledge of", or "an applied understanding of" depending on the context.

Why is "a practical understanding of" important in professional settings?

In professional settings, employers value candidates who not only possess knowledge but can also apply it effectively to solve problems and contribute to the organization's goals. "A practical understanding of" demonstrates the ability to translate theory into actionable results.