a strong understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's depth of knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or topic. Example: "To excel in this role, you must have a strong understanding of data analysis techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, she recommends a good Spanish dictionary and a strong understanding of idiomatic usage.

The New York Times - Tech

I gained a strong understanding of butchery and the patience to cook seasonally.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jo has a strong understanding of the current security requirements and likely future challenges facing relief and development organisations.

The Guardian

"We believe Soul's team has excellent creative credentials as well as a strong understanding of British consumers".

The Guardian

It surveys a broad span of time and is characterised throughout by a strong understanding of economics.

The Guardian - Books

"She possesses a strong understanding of the legislative process and the issues of concern for New Jersey families".

The New York Times

It certainly helps while picking aides at such a speedy clip to have a strong understanding of the big boss.

The New York Times

First, we need to have a strong understanding of the physical processes involved in the extreme weather event.

The Guardian

Hilton brought 17 years'experience in F1 to the table, and a strong understanding of energy-efficient systems.

Independent

"Unicef knew Muktangan had a strong understanding of teacher training," said Reshma Agarwal, an education specialist at Unicef.

The New York Times

This is an example of how research informs our practice: you need a strong understanding of the academic side to your work to be in therapeutic education.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong understanding of" to highlight an individual's or group's expertise, especially when emphasizing capability and competence.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong understanding of" when a simpler term like "knowledge" or "expertise" would suffice. Redundancy weakens the writing and dilutes the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the quality or extent of someone's knowledge or comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong understanding of" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a deep and comprehensive knowledge of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's important to avoid redundancy by considering simpler alternatives like "expertise" or "knowledge" where appropriate. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlight its widespread acceptance and utility in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep comprehension of

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of understanding.

a solid grasp of

Highlights a firm and secure understanding.

a thorough knowledge of

Focuses on having extensive information and awareness.

a comprehensive insight into

Suggests a broad and complete view of a topic.

an expert command of

Implies mastery and skillful handling of a subject.

a profound awareness of

Highlights a deep and significant recognition of something.

a keen appreciation for

Emphasizes a sharp and insightful understanding.

a detailed acquaintance with

Stresses familiarity with specific details.

a working knowledge of

Implies practical and functional understanding.

a seasoned perspective on

Suggests experience and mature understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong understanding of" to describe someone's expertise or knowledge in a specific area. For example, "The candidate demonstrated a strong understanding of financial markets."

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

Alternatives include "deep comprehension of", "solid grasp of", or "thorough knowledge of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "strong understanding about" or "strong understanding of"?

"A strong understanding of" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Understanding about" is grammatically incorrect.

How does "a strong understanding of" differ from "a basic understanding of"?

"A strong understanding of" implies a deep, comprehensive knowledge, whereas "a basic understanding of" suggests only a fundamental or introductory level of knowledge.