a specific understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a detailed or precise comprehension of a particular subject or concept. Example: "In order to excel in this field, one must have a specific understanding of the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Almost all political ideologies, in fact, are based on a specific understanding of the nature of humanity, whether this is explicitly formulated or simply implied.

The Guardian - Opinion

When conservatives vow to protect "the family", they are often talking about a specific understanding of the nuclear family: a married, heterosexual couple with children where the man contributes most of the household income.

The Guardian - Opinion

The defense that Damian offers rests on a specific understanding of what constitutes omnipotence.

SEP

Second, the standards the authors used for this analysis are primarily Western; we used software that was developed in North America with a specific understanding of originality.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

Since it is a specific understanding of "dialectic" which mediates between these two spheres in Kant's critical system, this entails a speculative rethinking of the Kantian dialectic.

SEP

Moreover, educators should gain a better general understanding of how womens' entrepreneurial intentions are formed, as well as a specific understanding of how entrepreneur' gender identity and independent self-construal merge into the intent to growth a business.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Additional investigations will be required to provide a more specific understanding of how the immune response of whole blood specifically alters the gas signature of invading E. coli.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

But if you're not in college, and don't have a child who's in college or getting ready to go, you might not have a terribly specific understanding of just how expensive "insanely expensive" really is.

The New York Times

A population specific understanding of barriers and facilitators to participation in clinical trials could improve recruitment of elderly and minority populations.

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

For instance, this study discovered that the damage caused by the oxidative stress produced in the atmosphere could be reduced by oxyR gene, which responds to elevated levels of H2O2 in the bacteria (a more specific understanding of oxidative stress compared to previous studies).

AMB Express

They reject a more specific understanding of social realities in literature.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a specific understanding of", ensure the subject of understanding is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "a specific understanding", specify "a specific understanding of quantum physics".

Common error

Avoid using "a specific understanding of" when a general understanding is sufficient. Saying "a specific understanding of the topic" when any basic knowledge will do dilutes the phrase's impact and can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It denotes detailed comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject or concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific understanding of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express detailed knowledge or comprehension about a defined subject. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, especially when emphasizing precision and focus. While most prevalent in scientific and news-related sources, its application spans formal and business settings as well. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject of understanding is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""a detailed comprehension of"" or ""a precise grasp of"" may be more appropriate depending on the context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed comprehension of

Emphasizes thoroughness and depth of understanding.

a precise grasp of

Highlights accuracy and clarity in understanding.

a clear perception of

Focuses on having a distinct and unambiguous understanding.

an intimate knowledge of

Suggests a deep, personal, and thorough understanding.

a specialized awareness of

Implies expertise and focused knowledge in a particular area.

a particular interpretation of

Highlights a specific perspective or viewpoint on a subject.

a comprehensive insight into

Stresses a complete and thorough understanding of something.

an acute appreciation of

Emphasizes a heightened sensitivity and understanding.

a nuanced recognition of

Focuses on subtle and complex understanding.

a working knowledge of

Suggests a practical and functional understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "a specific understanding of" to indicate detailed comprehension of a particular subject. For example, "The project requires "a specific understanding of the market"".

What's the difference between "a specific understanding of" and "a general understanding of"?

"A specific understanding of" implies detailed and precise knowledge, while "a general understanding of" suggests basic familiarity. For example, having "a general understanding of history" differs greatly from having "a specific understanding of the causes of World War I".

Which is better, "a specific understanding of" or "a deep understanding of"?

Both are valid, but "a specific understanding of" emphasizes precision and focus, whereas "a deep understanding of" emphasizes thoroughness and insight. Choose based on the context; use "specific" when precision matters most and "deep" when insight is key.

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

You can use alternatives like "a detailed comprehension of", "a precise grasp of", or "a clear perception of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.