a sound understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sound understanding of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe someone's comprehension of a particular topic. For example: "She had a sound understanding of advanced mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Third, it provides a sound understanding of the how and why of geography.

The Guardian - Opinion

Molecular Environmental Biology provides a sound understanding of the organization and function of biological organisms.

University of California, Berkeley

A sound understanding of the underlying anatomy and biomechanical principles is essential to ensure good practice.

Current Orthopaedics

Therefore, a sound understanding of the interface behavior is crucial at the design stage.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Great layout design requires a sound understanding of all these issues.

CMOS IC Layout Concepts, Methodologies, and Tools

The successful management of groundwater dependent shallow seasonal wetlands requires a sound understanding of groundwater fluxes.

Journal of Hydrology

As a result, a sound understanding of causal diagrams is becoming increasingly important in many scientific disciplines.

Harvard University

Implementation of Quality by Design approaches in pharmaceutical industry requires a sound understanding of the parameters triggering final product variability.

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics

A sound understanding of their roles is essential to the correct specification, selection, and maintenance of these components.

Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences

A sound understanding of its effects is an essential prerequisite for effectively managing this widespread ecological process.

Encyclopedia of Biodiversity

These are best tackled through a sound understanding of the evolution of the landscapes in which they occur.

Ore Geology Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sound understanding of", ensure that the subject of understanding is clearly defined. This helps to avoid ambiguity and provides context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid overstating the depth of understanding. Using "a sound understanding of" implies a competent grasp, not necessarily mastery. Choose wording that accurately reflects the level of comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sound understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the quality or level of someone's comprehension regarding a particular subject or concept. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

23%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sound understanding of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a competent level of comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and academic sources indicates its suitability for formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the subject of understanding is clear and avoid overstating the level of expertise. Alternatives like "a comprehensive grasp of" or "a firm knowledge of" can offer subtle nuances. Remember to use it to imply a competent grasp and not a level of complete mastery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive grasp of

Emphasizes completeness and thoroughness in understanding.

a firm knowledge of

Highlights the certainty and reliability of the knowledge possessed.

a deep appreciation for

Suggests a profound understanding coupled with an emotional connection or value.

a solid command of

Implies a high level of skill and control derived from understanding.

a thorough awareness of

Focuses on being fully informed and conscious of the details.

a proficient insight into

Highlights expertise and intuitive understanding.

an astute perception of

Emphasizes sharpness and accuracy in understanding.

a well-developed cognizance of

Suggests a gradual and mature understanding.

a clear-cut comprehension of

Highlights the lucidity and ease of understanding.

an expert acquaintance with

Focuses on familiarity and expertise in the subject matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sound understanding of" to describe someone's comprehension of a topic. For instance: "To succeed, you need "a sound understanding of" the market trends."

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

Alternatives include "a comprehensive grasp of", "a firm knowledge of", or "a deep appreciation for", each offering a slightly different emphasis.

Is it better to say "a sound understanding about" or "a sound understanding of"?

"A sound understanding of" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "Understanding about" is less common and can sound awkward in formal writing.

What level of knowledge does "a sound understanding of" imply?

It suggests a competent and reliable grasp of the subject matter, sufficient for practical application and informed decision-making, but not necessarily expert-level mastery.