a subtle understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a subtle understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a nuanced or deep comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "Her success in negotiations stems from a subtle understanding of human psychology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A subtle understanding of the limits of knowledge is the beginning of wisdom.

The Guardian - Opinion

As we walked up the mountain it was obvious that the tribes have a subtle understanding of the forest.

The Guardian - Travel

Thomson demonstrates a subtle understanding of the mind-set of the actor, adept at storytelling, spying, lying, and secrecy.

The New Yorker

Beckett's plays depend on a subtle understanding of the stage as a place of artifice, performance and imprisonment.

The Economist

Rather, he has a subtle understanding of how to operate in an environment where business and politics are often intertwined.

Independent

He had a subtle understanding of character, shown most movingly in The Long Afternoon (2000), which fictionalises the tragedy of his grandparents.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the artist's more recent pieces, like those at the Presidio, reflect a subtler understanding of the effects of time on Bay Area geography.

The New York Times

For diseases of the mind, few environmental or genetic risk factors are understood; instead the hope is that identified genetic factors will lead to a subtler understanding of why diseases such as schizophrenia arise and how they can be treated effectively.

Genome Medicine

This may seem like a minor lexical adjustment, and yet, given a context in which the U.S. President wields a profoundly limited vocabulary, a more subtle understanding of the ways in which language shapes understanding offers welcome insight.

The New Yorker

Her work triggered a storm of controversy but also provoked research that yielded a more subtle understanding of the impossible task these leaders faced in confronting the Nazis' overwhelming power and fervent, disciplined commitment to annihilate the Jewish people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As neuroeconomic and brain imaging tools shed more light on ADHD, a more subtle understanding of its symptomatology will also be vital for developing new treatments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a subtle understanding of", ensure that the context highlights a nuanced or delicate comprehension rather than a superficial one. This phrase works best when conveying a sense of depth and insight.

Common error

Avoid using "a subtle understanding of" when the situation requires demonstrating a comprehensive or expert-level knowledge. "Subtle" implies nuance, not a lack of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a subtle understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the quality or nature of comprehension, emphasizing the nuanced and insightful aspect of understanding something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a subtle understanding of" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that conveys a nuanced and perceptive comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples of its use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While not as frequent as more general phrases, it is especially suitable when highlighting insightful awareness and sensitivity to detail. Remember that while Ludwig considers "a subtle understanding of" grammatically correct, it's crucial to ensure that your chosen alternatives genuinely emphasize the unique nuance of detail the original phrase provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a nuanced comprehension of

Replaces "understanding" with "comprehension" and "subtle" with "nuanced", emphasizing the delicate and complex nature of the understanding.

a delicate grasp of

Uses "grasp" instead of "understanding" and "delicate" instead of "subtle", suggesting a gentle and careful hold on the concept.

an acute awareness of

Substitutes "understanding" with "awareness" and "subtle" with "acute", highlighting a sharp and perceptive recognition.

a fine appreciation for

Employs "appreciation" instead of "understanding" and "fine" instead of "subtle", implying a refined and sensitive recognition of the subject.

a sophisticated insight into

Replaces "understanding" with "insight" and "subtle" with "sophisticated", indicating an advanced and refined level of comprehension.

a perceptive interpretation of

Uses "interpretation" instead of "understanding" and "perceptive" instead of "subtle", focusing on an insightful and discerning explanation.

a refined sensitivity to

Substitutes "understanding" with "sensitivity" and "subtle" with "refined", highlighting a cultured and delicate awareness.

a discerning knowledge of

Employs "knowledge" instead of "understanding" and "discerning" instead of "subtle", suggesting a sharp and discriminating awareness.

a profound recognition of

Replaces "understanding" with "recognition" and "subtle" with "profound", emphasizing a deep and significant awareness.

a complex appreciation of

Uses "appreciation" instead of "understanding" and "complex" instead of "subtle", indicating an intricate and elaborate understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a subtle understanding of" to describe someone's nuanced comprehension. For example: "Her success comes from "a subtle understanding of" human behavior."

What's a good alternative to "a subtle understanding of"?

Alternatives include "a nuanced comprehension of", "a delicate grasp of", or "a sophisticated insight into", depending on the specific context.

What does "subtle" really mean in "a subtle understanding of"?

In this context, "subtle" indicates that the understanding involves recognizing and appreciating nuances, complexities, and finer details that might be overlooked by others.

Is it better to say "a subtle understanding of" or "a deep understanding of"?

It depends on what you want to emphasize. "A deep understanding of" suggests thoroughness and comprehensiveness, while "a subtle understanding of" suggests nuance and sensitivity to detail.