a significant understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe an in-depth comprehension or appreciation of something. For example, "The students had a significant understanding of the material covered during the lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 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

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

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

Over the last decade, several efforts have been made to biofortify food crops with micronutrients, which led to a significant understanding of the physiological, genetic, and molecular basis of high Zn accumulation in grains, and also the influence of agronomic management and environmental factors on Zn uptake, translocation and loading into grains (Impa and Johnson-Beebout 2012).

Rice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Analysis at the macro (national policy), meso (national programme) and micro (North West London) levels shows a significant common understanding of the aims and objectives of the policy and programme.

Health Research Policy and Systems

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a result, there is a significant lack of understanding of the material properties of historic Chinese paper within the generally accessible science and conservation literature.

Heritage Science

There is a significant lack of understanding on the oil degradation under these conditions where oil is highly dispersed with small oil droplets.

Geochemical Transactions

There is a significant lack of understanding of the molecular-scale reaction mechanisms of dolomite (CaMg(CO3 2), particularly in comparison to other common carbonates such as calcite (CaCO3).

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a significant understanding of", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the importance or impact of this understanding. For example, specify how this understanding leads to better decision-making or improved outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant understanding of" when describing basic or rudimentary knowledge. Reserve this phrase for situations where the understanding genuinely represents a substantial or crucial insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is correct and usable. It denotes a level of comprehension that is both important and thorough.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant understanding of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates a deep and important comprehension of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in scientific and academic writing, where precision is key. While alternatives such as "a substantial grasp of" or "a profound insight into" may be used, it's important to reserve "a significant understanding of" for situations where the understanding truly represents a crucial insight. The phrase is a noun phrase that serves to highlight the importance of in-depth knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial grasp of

Replaces "understanding" with "grasp", implying a firm hold on the knowledge.

a considerable knowledge of

Substitutes "understanding" with "knowledge", highlighting the amount of information possessed.

a profound insight into

Replaces "understanding" with "insight", emphasizing a deeper level of perception.

a comprehensive appreciation of

Changes "understanding" to "appreciation", suggesting a thorough and informed valuation.

a thorough command of

Uses "command" instead of "understanding", indicating mastery and control over the subject.

a deep awareness of

Replaces "understanding" with "awareness", focusing on consciousness and recognition.

an extensive acquaintance with

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more formal expression, indicating familiarity through prolonged exposure.

a good working knowledge of

Emphasizes practical application of the knowledge rather than just theoretical understanding.

a complete mastery of

Highlights expertise and full control over a particular subject or skill.

a detailed comprehension of

Focuses on the completeness and accuracy of the understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant understanding of" to describe an in-depth comprehension or appreciation of a subject. For example: "The research provided "a significant understanding of" the disease's progression."

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

Alternatives include "a substantial grasp of", "a considerable knowledge of", or "a profound insight into", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "significant understanding about" or "significant understanding of"?

"Significant understanding of" is generally preferred and more grammatically correct. "Understanding about" can sound awkward, whereas "understanding of" is the standard construction.

What distinguishes "a significant understanding of" from "a basic understanding of"?

"A significant understanding of" implies a deep and comprehensive comprehension, while "a basic understanding of" suggests only a rudimentary or introductory knowledge. The former denotes expertise, while the latter implies familiarity.