a unique understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone has a special or distinct grasp of a concept, situation, or idea. For example: "Carrie has a unique understanding of the complexities of interpersonal relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Besides that, his whole life had afforded him a unique understanding of the criminal-justice system.

The New Yorker

Her deep knowledge of both cultures gives her a unique understanding of each society's politics, phobias, and national myths.

The New Yorker

Magnetically driven accretion in white dwarfs (WDs) provide a unique understanding of highly magnetized environments.

Harvard University

"We approved Mr. Rose's appointment as monitor because he has a unique understanding of our regulations and expectations.

The Washington Post

The consultants, he said, helped provide a "unique understanding of the nature of the problems with foreclosure practices".

The New York Times

No, the new threat came by stealth and a unique understanding of his own powers, said McDowell.

Independent

After Mr. Bradley's remarks, William M. Daley, Mr. Gore's campaign chairman, praised Mr. Bradley as "a special person" who had a "unique understanding of America".

The New York Times

In its proxy filing, Wells Fargo cited Ms. Duke's "insight and a unique understanding of risks and opportunities that contribute important risk management experience to the board".

The New York Times

But he believes his early experience as a porter gave him a unique understanding of how hospitals are run and highlighted the importance of working as a team.

The Guardian

For disabled people, strangely enough, are human beings who find their lives going a certain way, and this gives us a unique understanding of the greater human condition.

The Guardian - Opinion

We hope to raise a child with a unique understanding of (and tolerance for) the complexities of ethnic, religious and national identity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a unique understanding of", ensure that the context clearly indicates how the understanding is different or more insightful than common perspectives. Provide specific examples or details to support the claim of uniqueness.

Common error

Avoid claiming that someone has "a unique understanding of" something without providing concrete evidence or examples. Vague assertions can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique understanding of" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a particular quality or characteristic of someone's knowledge or perception. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a unique understanding of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe someone's distinct and insightful perspective. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it accurately portrays a specialized or uncommon grasp of a subject. Usage is particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts, emphasizing the phrase's versatility across various formal settings. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to substantiate the claim of uniqueness with specific examples or details. Remember, while alternatives like "a distinctive grasp of" or "an exceptional insight into" exist, "a unique understanding of" effectively conveys a specialized comprehension. Use with confidence and support with evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinctive grasp of

Focuses on the quality of being noticeably different and easily recognizable.

an exceptional insight into

Highlights an unusual degree of understanding, often implying a special or rare quality.

a particular appreciation for

Emphasizes a specific and informed admiration or recognition of something.

a special awareness of

Indicates an unusual or heightened perception of a situation or concept.

an unparalleled perspective on

Suggests a viewpoint that is unmatched and uniquely valuable.

an exclusive insight into

Implies a level of understanding available only to a select few.

a rare comprehension of

Highlights the uncommon nature of someone's understanding.

an uncommon perception of

Stresses that the understanding is not generally held or easily achieved.

a nuanced appreciation of

Focuses on the ability to perceive subtle differences or qualities.

a profound knowledge of

Emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of someone's understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a unique understanding of" to describe someone's special or distinct grasp of a concept or situation. For example: "Her background gave her "a unique understanding of" the challenges faced by immigrant communities".

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

You can use alternatives like "a distinctive grasp of", "an exceptional insight into", or "a special awareness of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very unique understanding"?

Yes, "very unique" is generally considered redundant because "unique" already implies being one-of-a-kind. It's better to simply use ""a unique understanding of"".

What's the difference between "a unique understanding of" and "a comprehensive understanding of"?

"A unique understanding of" suggests a distinct or special perspective, while "a comprehensive understanding of" implies a complete or thorough grasp of the subject. One focuses on distinctiveness; the other on completeness.