a profound misunderstanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a profound misunderstanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or significant lack of understanding regarding a particular subject or issue. Example: "The debate highlighted a profound misunderstanding of the scientific principles involved in climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Yet these claims demonstrate a profound misunderstanding of the ecology of human systems.

The New York Times

The very talk of Western intervention betrays a profound misunderstanding of the West's declining power.

The New York Times

It demonstrates, furthermore, a profound misunderstanding of what life is generally like – there are nine million renting privately in England.

The Guardian - Opinion

The authors of the report warn that, while probably well intentioned, "these systems are based on a profound misunderstanding of children".

The New York Times

"The Commission's Statement of Objections", the firm wrote in a statement, "reveals a profound misunderstanding of both database competition and open source dynamics.

The Economist

"The commission's statement of objections reveals a profound misunderstanding of both database competition and open source dynamics," Oracle said in a statement.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But I also think there was a profound misunderstanding on the part of these experts of the nature of Tiger's appeal, which from the start has been founded on an image of complete control and focus, an image that this scandal utterly wrecked.

The New Yorker

Such questions are symptomatic not only of a profound misunderstanding about the nature of mental illness, which does not arise from external causes, but also of our society's crazy faith in anyone finding salvation in money or fame.

Independent

"I believe that's partly because of a profound misunderstanding.

The New York Times

"That would be a profound misunderstanding.

The New York Times - Magazine

They result from a profound misunderstanding about whether food and energy prices today help predict overall inflation tomorrow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a profound misunderstanding of", ensure that you clearly articulate the correct understanding or perspective to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a profound misunderstanding of" for minor errors or differences in opinion. Reserve it for situations where the lack of understanding has significant consequences or implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a profound misunderstanding of" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object of a verb or a complement to a linking verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, signifying a significant lack of comprehension.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a profound misunderstanding of" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to denote a significant lack of comprehension. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its prevalence in contexts such as news, science, and formal communication. Its function is typically to express disagreement or highlight errors, with a neutral register applicable across various situations. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the severity of the misunderstanding warrants the descriptor "profound", and to clearly articulate the accurate perspective or understanding. Considering alternatives like "a deep misapprehension of" or "a fundamental misconception about" can provide nuanced expressions of the same core idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep misapprehension of

Emphasizes the depth of the incorrect understanding.

a complete failure to grasp

Highlights the inability to understand the concept.

a serious misinterpretation of

Focuses on the act of interpreting something incorrectly.

a fundamental misconception about

Stresses that the misunderstanding is basic and foundational.

a gross distortion of

Indicates a severe twisting or misrepresentation of the facts.

a lamentable ignorance of

Highlights the regrettable lack of knowledge.

a startling lack of insight into

Emphasizes the surprising absence of understanding.

a demonstrable inability to comprehend

Focuses on the clear lack of ability to understand.

a skewed perception of

Indicates that the understanding is biased or distorted.

a flawed interpretation of

Highlights errors and shortcomings in the way something is interpreted.

FAQs

How can I use "a profound misunderstanding of" in a sentence?

You can use "a profound misunderstanding of" to point out a deep lack of comprehension regarding a topic. For example, "The argument presented demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of the economic principles involved."

What are some alternatives to "a profound misunderstanding of"?

Some alternatives include "a deep misapprehension of", "a complete failure to grasp", or "a serious misinterpretation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "misunderstanding of" or "misunderstanding about"?

"Misunderstanding of" is generally used when referring to a specific concept or subject, while "misunderstanding about" can be used more broadly. "A profound misunderstanding of the facts" is common, whereas "a misunderstanding about the situation" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a misunderstanding" and "a profound misunderstanding"?

While both terms indicate a lack of understanding, "a profound misunderstanding" suggests a more significant and impactful lack of comprehension. It implies that the misunderstanding is deep-rooted and has serious implications, in contrast to a simple "a misunderstanding" which may be minor or easily corrected.