a thin understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a superficial or limited grasp of a subject or concept. Example: "His explanation revealed a thin understanding of the complex issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Bandera's brief collaboration with the Nazis has led some members of Right Sector to meld their nationalism with a thin understanding of Nazism.

Vice

Rather than develop a cadre of trustworthy political advisers, Grant was overconfident in choosing his Cabinet; he relied heavily on former Army associates who had a thin understanding of politics and a weak sense of civilian ethics.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Democrats aren't leaping at the opportunity to help a president with historically low approval ratings, FBI and congressional investigations into his associates' connections to Russia, and a seemingly thin understanding of policies he's looking to negotiate.

Huffington Post

Not only is it insincere, but it's also a paper-thin understanding of what a hijab is, and what it means to Muslim women in the UK.

Vice

What the list's authors are correct in worrying about, though, is not the absence of this kind of superficial "knowledge" of names, and dates, and places, but the threat that this thin understanding has on serious study.

The New Yorker

There are different versions of this thin understanding of nationhood.

SEP

Reporting on CSEC requires you to walk a thin line between understanding there are certain operations that require secrecy in order to maintain national security endeavours, while also exercising a healthy amount of concern and criticism for a gigantic agency with little accountability.

Vice

It is just that the line between crassness and understanding is a thin one.

The Economist

A thin case.

The Guardian - Books

It was a thin time.

The New Yorker

It's a thin line.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a thin understanding", clarify what aspects are misunderstood or lacking to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a thin understanding" when the subject has absolutely no understanding. Instead, consider phrases like "no understanding" or "complete ignorance" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "thin" modifies "understanding". It typically serves as an object or complement in a sentence, describing the quality of someone's comprehension, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a thin understanding" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a superficial or limited grasp of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts like News & Media, Wiki and Science, suggesting a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific aspects of misunderstanding. For alternative expressions, consider "a superficial grasp" or "a limited comprehension".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shallow understanding

Focuses on the lack of depth in comprehension. Also extracted from the search data.

a superficial grasp

Focuses on the lack of depth in comprehension.

a limited comprehension

Emphasizes the restricted scope of knowledge.

a rudimentary knowledge

Highlights the basic or initial stage of understanding.

an inadequate grasp

Highlights the insufficiency of the understanding.

a basic appreciation

Suggests a simple and perhaps incomplete awareness.

an elementary acquaintance

Implies a casual and non-detailed familiarity.

a fragile understanding

Conveys vulnerability and the potential for misunderstanding.

a patchy understanding

Indicates that some areas are understood, while others are not.

a sketchy comprehension

Implies that the understanding is incomplete and possibly inaccurate.

FAQs

How can I use "a thin understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "a thin understanding" to describe someone's superficial or incomplete knowledge of a topic. For example: "His explanation revealed a thin understanding of the complex issue".

What's a more formal alternative to "a thin understanding"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "a superficial grasp" or "a limited comprehension".

Is "a thin understanding" the same as "a shallow understanding"?

While similar, "a thin understanding" and "a shallow understanding" both describe a lack of depth. "Thin" might suggest a lack of substance, while "shallow" implies a lack of depth or thoroughness.

When is it appropriate to use "a thin understanding"?

Use "a thin understanding" when someone has some knowledge, but it is insufficient or superficial for fully grasping a concept or situation.