a significant understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a significant understanding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to a deep or detailed understanding of something. For example, "The seminar provided us with a significant understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

RTI design requires a significant understanding of the needs of the environment.

Next Generation Datacenters in Financial Services Driving Extreme Efficiency and Effective Cost Savings

This technique provided a significant understanding of breakdown in the structure input coupler.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Finally, the development of genetic tools to introduce and manipulate genes in macrolide-producing organisms has led to a significant understanding of the genetic and biochemical bases of biosynthesis of these complex molecules.

Encyclopedia of Microbiology

The D3PCS has also been adapted for use at several fusion devices worldwide, which has allowed the DIII-D team to obtain a significant understanding of common requirements for plasma control on multiple fusion devices, along with substantial experience in the alternative computing, data acquisition, and networking technologies presently available.

Fusion Engineering and Design

This kind of information will also contribute to the body of knowledge and a significant understanding of effective strategies for mitigating disaster risks.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

The study of family foundations and the reasons behind their creation can provide a significant understanding of the phenomenon of longevity and evolution of family businesses.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Voss said that what most concerns him is the sophistication of the attack: The hacker or hackers must have had a "very significant understanding" of how the school's data are designed and protected.

The Washington Post

Even where substantive disagreements remained, a new and significant understanding of policy issues and solutions was achieved -- which is essential to move forward.

HuffPost

This represented a significant new understanding of markets because economists before Say had worried about the possibility of a long-term glut.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a significant difference; understanding it may better inform those who are still struggling to fit the round peg of Cyber Warfare into the square hole of the Western way of war.

Forbes

With such a diverse group, we faced a significant challenge understanding user experience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant understanding" to convey that someone has a notably deep or complete comprehension of a subject. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the importance or extent of their understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant understanding" when the comprehension is only basic or superficial. Reserve it for situations where there's genuine depth and insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant understanding" functions as a noun phrase, with "significant" modifying the noun "understanding". It is typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "gain a significant understanding") or after a preposition (e.g., "with a significant understanding"). Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant understanding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys a substantial level of comprehension or knowledge. Ludwig AI validates this point. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts. While alternatives exist, this phrase effectively emphasizes the depth and importance of the understanding. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the implication of a deep and complete comprehension, avoiding its use for superficial or basic understandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep comprehension

Emphasizes the depth of understanding rather than its importance.

a substantial grasp

Focuses on the ability to hold or control knowledge.

a thorough insight

Highlights the penetrating nature of the understanding.

a considerable awareness

Stresses the state of being conscious or informed.

an extensive knowledge

Emphasizes the breadth of information known.

a profound appreciation

Highlights the value and depth of feeling or recognition.

a comprehensive perception

Focuses on the completeness of the mental impression.

a refined interpretation

Emphasizes the nuanced and sophisticated understanding.

a nuanced appreciation

Focuses on subtle differences in understanding.

a complete mastery

Indicates a very high level of skill or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant understanding" to describe someone's comprehension of a complex topic. For example, "The researcher demonstrated a significant understanding of quantum physics."

What's a good alternative to "a significant understanding"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a deep comprehension", "a substantial grasp", or "an extensive knowledge".

Is it correct to say "significant understanding" without the article "a"?

While "significant understanding" can be used, using the article "a" generally sounds more natural and grammatically correct in most contexts. Omission of "a" can imply a quality rather than a defined level of comprehension.

How does "a significant understanding" differ from "a basic understanding"?

"A significant understanding" implies a deep and thorough comprehension, whereas "a basic understanding" suggests only a rudimentary or introductory level of knowledge.