a realistic understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a realistic understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of having a practical or accurate perception of a subject or situation. Example: "To effectively address climate change, we need a realistic understanding of its impacts on our environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Establishing budgetary controls requires a realistic understanding of the firm's activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Suppose we accept that the powerful financial bosses have a realistic understanding of what needs to be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

While I have a realistic understanding of the condition, I refuse to allow autism to define this young man.

The New York Times

But halting offshore development must be evaluated with a realistic understanding of the energy needed to keep our economy moving.

The New York Times

So we go into these discussions with a clear sense of what we want to see accomplished, but a realistic understanding of how difficult it still is".

The New York Times

You'll leave with a realistic understanding of what it takes to be a freelancer, and feel more confident about pitching your ideas to editors.

The Guardian

I think it is a good idea for whoever is planning for adaptation to have a realistic understanding of what the science is saying".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The results suggest that students learned lab content information equally well from both types of laboratories, and that they have a realistic understanding and appreciation of the practical advantages of remote laboratories.

Computers & Education

According to Simon, this theoretical framework provides a more realistic understanding of a world in which decision making can affect prices and outputs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gini was launched in October 2015 under the premise that "development policy is due for a redesign based on a more realistic understanding of how people think and behave".

The Guardian

This is likely to lead to a more realistic understanding of research as an iterative, long-term process; enhance participant confidence in its transparency and accountability; and help to develop more appropriate expectations of what a single piece of research can and cannot achieve.

European Journal of Human Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a realistic understanding of", ensure that you are presenting a balanced view that acknowledges both the opportunities and challenges of the subject matter. For instance, 'A successful entrepreneur possesses a realistic understanding of the market's potential, as well as its risks.'

Common error

Avoid using "a realistic understanding of" to justify overly optimistic or unrealistic expectations. The phrase implies a grounding in reality, not a justification for wishful thinking. For example, don't say 'With a realistic understanding of our product's potential, we expect it to dominate the market within a year' without acknowledging potential obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a realistic understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It emphasizes the necessity of having a practical and accurate grasp of a particular subject or situation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a realistic understanding of" is a commonly used phrase that emphasizes the importance of having a practical and accurate perspective. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science, suggesting its relevance in both current affairs and factual analysis. To ensure proper usage, focus on presenting a balanced view and avoid using the phrase to support unrealistic expectations. Consider alternatives like "a practical grasp of" or "an accurate perception of" to add nuance to your writing. Remember that this phrase requires an honest assessment of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a factual awareness of

Emphasizes the importance of being conscious about objective and verifiable information.

an accurate perception of

Substitutes "understanding" with "perception", emphasizing the correctness and truthfulness of the view.

a pragmatic comprehension of

Stresses the practical and logical aspect of understanding, focusing on real-world applications.

a practical grasp of

Replaces "understanding" with a more action-oriented "grasp", suggesting a hands-on comprehension.

a well-informed perspective on

Emphasizes having a broad and knowledgeable viewpoint on a particular subject.

a clear awareness of

Focuses on being conscious and informed about something, instead of just understanding it.

a sober assessment of

Implies a serious and unbiased evaluation, often in the face of potential risks or challenges.

a true appreciation of

Highlights a genuine and authentic understanding, devoid of superficiality.

a grounded appreciation for

Highlights a deep and well-founded respect or recognition of the value of something.

a sensible appraisal of

Focuses on making reasonable judgments based on available information.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to emphasize the importance of having a practical and accurate perception of a situation or concept. For example, "To succeed in this industry, you need a realistic understanding of the market trends."

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

You can use alternatives like "a practical grasp of", "an accurate perception of", or "a clear awareness of depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a realistic understanding of" or "a real understanding of"?

While both can be used, "a realistic understanding of" is generally preferred when emphasizing the need for practicality and accuracy. "A real understanding of" can be more general, simply implying that a genuine understanding exists.

What's the difference between "a realistic understanding of" and "a comprehensive understanding of"?

"A realistic understanding of" focuses on practicality and accuracy, while "a comprehensive understanding of" implies a thorough and complete knowledge of all aspects of a subject. The former emphasizes pragmatism, the latter, completeness.