a profound comprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound comprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a deep or thorough understanding of a subject or concept. Example: "After years of study, she finally achieved a profound comprehension of quantum physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This laudable commitment gives us hope that America has a new collective vision of security in our region as not exclusively a function of armed force but also dependent on a profound comprehension of others' fears.

The New York Times

Shakespeare certainly had a profound comprehension of the Renaissance Neoplatonic idea of the "music of the spheres" and the effect of both heavenly and earthly harmonies on the health of the human spirit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Charles Rosen in a chapter on Mendelssohn in his 1995 book The Romantic Generation both praises and criticizes the composer, calling him a "genius" with a "profound" comprehension of Beethoven and "the greatest child prodigy the history of Western music has ever known".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

ABM models are commonly actualized utilizing PC reproductions either by some custom programming or particularly created ABM toolkits taking into account a more profound comprehension of the conduct of the general framework in light of the individual operators (Gershenson and Niazi 2013).

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

In keeping with the changing directions of Dante's thought and the vicissitudes of his career, she, too, underwent enormous changes in his hands—sanctified in the Vita nuova, demoted in the canzoni (poems) presented in the Convivio, only to be returned with more profound comprehension in The Divine Comedy as the woman credited with having led Dante away from the "vulgar herd".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The profound comprehension of History is the basis for any comprehension of art and languages, which necessarily bears a direct relationship with the historical conditions circumscribing it (KS, I, x).

SEP

It strengthens our profound comprehension of geological phenomena and the modeling approach, and establishes the basic techniques of 3D geological modeling for practical applications in the field of geosciences.

Journal of China University of Mining and Technology

There have been no major advances in the development of new systemic therapies for urothelial carcinoma for over two decades, which may be related to prior lack of profound comprehension of biological pathogenetic mechanisms.

Seminars in Cancer Biology

Others believe that singularities represent an exciting new horizon for physicists to aim for and explore in cosmology, holding out the promise of physical phenomena differing so radically from any that we have yet experienced as to ensure, in our attempt to observe, quantify and understand them, a profound advance in our comprehension of the physical world.

SEP

Further down, he shows a profound lack of basic reading comprehension as he repeatedly refers to the pages as "satire".

Huffington Post

To fall in love with a book, in that way that I and so many others have fallen in love with Ferrante's, is to feel a special kinship with its author, a profound sort of mutual receptivity and comprehension.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a profound comprehension" when you want to emphasize not just understanding, but a deep, thorough, and insightful grasp of a concept or subject. For instance, "Her success was built on a profound comprehension of market dynamics."

Common error

Avoid using "a profound comprehension" when a simpler phrase like "good understanding" or "basic knowledge" would suffice. Overusing "profound" can sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound comprehension" functions as a noun phrase, with "profound" modifying the noun "comprehension". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and denotes a deep level of understanding. Examples show it used in contexts requiring nuanced perception, like understanding others' fears or complex historical conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a profound comprehension" signifies a deep and thorough understanding of a subject, more than just basic knowledge. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, but the usage is relatively rare, suggesting it's most appropriate when emphasizing depth of insight. As the provided sources from Ludwig highlight, authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica exemplify its usage. When writing, consider whether the depth emphasized by "profound" is truly necessary, or if a simpler term like "understanding" or "knowledge" would suffice. Though semantically correct, overusing this phrase might sound too pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep understanding

Replaces "comprehension" with the more common "understanding" while maintaining the sense of depth.

a thorough grasp

Emphasizes the completeness and certainty of understanding.

an insightful understanding

Highlights the depth of understanding and ability to discern subtle aspects.

a complete awareness

Focuses on the state of being fully informed and conscious of the subject.

a far-reaching insight

Conveys the extent and impact of the understanding gained.

a fundamental knowledge

Highlights the foundational and essential nature of the knowledge.

a comprehensive insight

Similar to 'insightful understanding', adds the element of 'comprehensiveness' .

a sophisticated understanding

Emphasizes the advanced and nuanced nature of the understanding.

a keen appreciation

Shifts the focus to valuing and understanding something deeply.

a penetrating insight

Highlights the ability to see through complexities and understand underlying truths.

FAQs

How can I use "a profound comprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "a profound comprehension" to describe a deep and thorough understanding of a subject. For example: "The historian displayed "a profound comprehension" of ancient civilizations".

What phrases are similar to "a profound comprehension"?

Alternatives include "a deep understanding", "a thorough grasp", or "an insightful understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a profound comprehension" instead of "a good understanding"?

"A profound comprehension" suggests a more thorough, insightful, and nuanced understanding than "a good understanding". Use it when you want to emphasize the depth and complexity of someone's knowledge.

Is "a profound comprehension" formal or informal language?

"A profound comprehension" leans towards more formal language. In informal contexts, "a deep understanding" or "a good grasp" may be more appropriate.