a preliminary understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preliminary understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an initial grasp or insight into a subject or topic before delving deeper. Example: "Before we start the project, it's important to have a preliminary understanding of the key concepts involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

This study is designed to provide evidence of the safety and a preliminary understanding of the efficacy of AME 133v.

Stanford University

In this investigation a preliminary understanding of the physical structure of these dendrimer-based nanocomposites was sought.

Polymer

Encourage each person to gain a preliminary understanding of each other's key relationships at work, at home, and in the community.

Harvard Business Review

This survey, broken into two parts, can help you formulate a preliminary understanding of your culture and get the conversation started.

Harvard Business Review

Thus the study provided a preliminary understanding of the in situ reactive compatibilization of polymer blends in terms of the interfacial problem.

Polymer

Sometimes a single person or group is responsible for both, such as when Archimedes observed some data (water spilling out of his bathtub) and developed a preliminary understanding of a new theory, hydrostatics.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

To establish a preliminary understanding on the morphology of adipocytes in fat tissues, we observed cryosectioned mediastinal and epicardial adipose tissues under an inverted fluorescence microscope (Axiovert 100TV, Zeiss).

Biomedical Optics Express

However, the low detail resolution of such models only allows for a preliminary understanding, and the biological interpretation of the results is not always straightforward.

BMC Systems Biology

Phase 1 employed the use of a focus group to determine students' preliminary understanding of the policy course and train them on practical principles in public policy advocacy, while Phase 2 focused on the delivery of the course content.

Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning

After speaking to a former special assistant to Barack Obama during his second term, here's my preliminary understanding of how this works.

The Washington Post

This dataset is used to contribute preliminary understanding of dialog acts distribution and conversation flow in this dialog space.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a preliminary understanding of", follow it with a clear indication of what further knowledge or investigation is needed to gain a more complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a preliminary understanding of" when you actually possess a comprehensive knowledge. This diminishes the strength and accuracy of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the initial stage of comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject. Ludwig AI states this expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preliminary understanding of" is a commonly used phrase that signifies an initial grasp or comprehension of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for formal writing contexts. Its prevalence in scientific, academic, and news media sources indicates its utility in conveying a basic level of knowledge before further exploration. While alternatives like ""a basic grasp of"" or ""an initial insight into"" may be suitable depending on the specific context, it's essential to avoid overstating the level of understanding. Using this phrase effectively involves acknowledging the need for further investigation to gain a comprehensive knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic grasp of

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the comprehension.

a rudimentary knowledge of

Emphasizes the elementary level of the knowledge.

an initial insight into

Highlights the beginning stages of gaining insight.

a surface-level comprehension of

Indicates a shallow or not very detailed understanding.

a working knowledge of

Suggests a practical understanding sufficient for basic tasks.

an early appreciation for

Focuses on developing an initial sense of value or importance.

a first taste of

Implies an introductory or brief exposure to a subject.

a glimpse into

Suggests a brief, partial view or understanding.

an inkling about

Indicates a vague or uncertain understanding.

a nascent awareness of

Highlights the emerging nature of the awareness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary understanding of" to indicate an initial grasp of a subject before delving deeper, such as, "We need "a preliminary understanding of" the market before launching the product."

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

Alternatives include "a basic grasp of", "a rudimentary knowledge of", or "an initial insight into" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a preliminary understanding of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when setting the stage for further analysis or investigation. It is commonly found in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

How does "a preliminary understanding of" differ from "a comprehensive understanding of"?

"A preliminary understanding of" indicates an initial or basic grasp, while "a comprehensive understanding of" signifies a thorough and complete knowledge of the subject.