a true understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the depth or accuracy of someone's comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "To excel in this field, one must have a true understanding of the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This can only mean that they fell out of romantic love and didn't understand that now is the time for a true understanding of love to begin.

Huffington Post

"You really ultimately had to understand how the brain worked if you were going to get a true understanding of behavior," said Dr. Edward M. Stricker, another former student and now the neuroscience chairman at the University of Pittsburgh.

The New York Times

"He has just a true understanding of the dramatic elements," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

To arrive at a true understanding of Anne Stevenson's poetry, you have to go deep.

The Guardian - Books

That consent must flow from an "enlightened decision," shaped by a true understanding of the test's medical risks.

The New Yorker

"Having been involved in hockey all my life, I had a true understanding of what that meant".

The New York Times - Sports

Each format has its own conventions, and neither leaves us with a true understanding of this mysterious man.

The New York Times

A true understanding of its doctrines did not come until the time of Prince Shōtoku (Shōtoku Taishi).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Working in academia means that you get to explore beyond safe confines and develop a true understanding of the science behind motorsport," says Teena.

The Guardian

It will be an honour to wear the Sunderland shirt and I will wear it with a true understanding of what it means.

The Guardian - Sport

We may be years away from a true understanding of the psychological effects of the rain that has fallen for 15 of the first 19 days of June.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a true understanding of" when you want to emphasize a deep and accurate comprehension of a complex subject, ensuring the audience recognizes the significance of thorough knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "a true understanding of" when you actually mean a basic familiarity. Reserve it for situations where genuine expertise or profound insight is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It emphasizes the depth and accuracy of comprehension, highlighting a level of knowledge that goes beyond superficial acquaintance. Examples in Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts, affirming its grammatical versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true understanding of" is a versatile noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of profound and accurate comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, and is best reserved for situations where genuine expertise or deep insight is crucial. Alternatives like "thorough comprehension" or "genuine appreciation" can be used to express similar concepts with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorough comprehension of

Stresses the completeness and detail of understanding.

a complete grasp of

Implies a firm and comprehensive hold on the subject matter.

a genuine appreciation of

Focuses more on valuing and recognizing the worth of something.

a clear perception of

Highlights the accuracy and clarity of one's understanding.

a profound knowledge of

Emphasizes the depth and extent of acquired information.

a deep insight into

Highlights the ability to perceive the inner nature of something.

an accurate interpretation of

Focuses on correctly explaining or understanding something.

a full awareness of

Emphasizes being fully conscious and informed about something.

a real handle on

Suggests a practical and effective understanding.

an expert command of

Implies mastery and skill in understanding a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "a true understanding of" to highlight the importance of deep knowledge. For example, "Success in this field requires a true understanding of market dynamics."

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

Alternatives include "genuine appreciation of", "profound knowledge of", or "thorough comprehension of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a true understanding of"?

It's appropriate when discussing complex subjects or skills where superficial knowledge isn't enough and deep insight is required. This often applies in academic, professional, and scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "a true understanding of" and "a basic understanding of"?

"A true understanding of" suggests a deeper, more comprehensive grasp, while "a basic understanding of" implies only a superficial familiarity with the subject.