a serious understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the depth of knowledge or comprehension someone has about a particular subject or topic. Example: "To excel in this field, one must have a serious understanding of the underlying principles and theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

No one with a serious understanding of the nation's energy needs supports this foolishness.

The New York Times

They show a serious understanding of the Dutch repertoire of nightmare, channelled through Freud.

Independent

We are asking the government to work with us to develop a serious understanding of disabled people and the support they need to find employment.

The Guardian

Indeed, the number of MPs and peers with a serious understanding of internet technology can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

A serious understanding of value shows that printing money does not add any real value.

BBC

People managing the estates of these whimsical assets require a serious understanding of publishing, licensing, merchandising, copyrights and trademarks, all while balancing the wishes of the beneficiaries.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This charge is baseless and has no place in any serious understanding of their research.

The New York Times

He has a deep, serious understanding of his craft.

The New Yorker

He has a deep, serious understanding of his craft... View Article By Rebecca Mead By Anthony Lane By Jia Tolentino By Alan Burdick By Atul Gawande By Rebecca Mead By Anthony Lane By Jia Tolentino By Alan Burdick.

The New Yorker

"She has a deep and serious understanding of the Senate as an institution and brings a real ability to help Hillary navigate the process," said Howard Wolfson, a spokesman for Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

The serious understanding of music formed a crucial factor in the development of Gombrich's thought.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a serious understanding of" when you want to emphasize not just knowledge, but also the depth and importance of that knowledge. For example, "a serious understanding of economic principles" suggests a more profound and consequential grasp than simply "an understanding of economics".

Common error

Avoid using "a serious understanding of" when describing basic or introductory knowledge. Reserve this phrase for situations where genuine expertise and profound insight are involved. If someone just knows the basics, phrases like "a basic understanding" or "a working knowledge" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "understanding." Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. It often precedes a specific subject, indicating a deep and significant comprehension of that subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious understanding of" is a noun phrase used to convey a deep and significant comprehension of a subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While the phrase is not extremely frequent, it effectively emphasizes the depth and importance of the knowledge being discussed. Alternative phrases such as "a profound understanding of" or "a thorough grasp of" can be used to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound understanding of

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the understanding.

a thorough grasp of

Highlights the completeness and firmness of the understanding.

a comprehensive knowledge of

Focuses on the breadth and scope of the knowledge.

a deep insight into

Suggests a keen and penetrating understanding.

an acute awareness of

Indicates a sharp and sensitive understanding.

a sophisticated appreciation of

Implies a refined and subtle understanding.

a well-developed sense of

Highlights the gradual and cultivated nature of the understanding.

a substantial familiarity with

Emphasizes the considerable experience and knowledge.

a practical understanding of

Focuses on the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

a working knowledge of

Suggests a sufficient level of understanding for practical purposes.

FAQs

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

Use "a serious understanding of" to emphasize the importance and depth of knowledge on a particular subject. For instance, "To be a successful surgeon, one must have a serious understanding of anatomy and physiology".

What can I say instead of "a serious understanding of"?

You can use alternatives like "a profound understanding of", "a thorough grasp of", or "a comprehensive knowledge of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a basic understanding" or "a serious understanding"?

The choice depends on the depth of knowledge you want to convey. Use "a basic understanding" for introductory knowledge and "a serious understanding" when describing expert-level comprehension. The context dictates which is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a serious understanding of" and "a working knowledge of"?

"A serious understanding of" implies deep, theoretical knowledge. "A working knowledge of" suggests practical, applied understanding. For instance, someone might have a working knowledge of a software program without having a serious understanding of its underlying code.