a workable understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a workable understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comprehension or grasp of a subject that is practical and can be applied effectively. Example: "After several discussions, we finally reached a workable understanding of the project's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A workable understanding of Rossinian style seems within the collective grasp of this young cast.

The New York Times - Arts

But the physical environment is the same, and you can still apply the same general ecological rules, and come out with a workable understanding of how the ecosystem would have functioned.

The Guardian

I've found that our greatest miscalculations revolve around two assumptions: 1), believing that we did enough due diligence to have a workable understanding of the major legal issues associated with operating a food production company and a food truck and 2), thinking we had the time, money and help necessary to truly get up and running.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is time to hammer out a workable agreement.

The Guardian

The introduction of this temporal element is an important factor in framing workable understandings of the right of withdrawal in non-interventional research.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

"My understanding is there's a real effort to find a workable compromise this week," said Kathryn S. Wylde, a Quinn ally on the issue and head of the New York City Partnership, a business group that has objected to the mandate.

The New York Times

A company must be competent in understanding customer needs and requirements, and then providing insight to translate them into a workable solution for your business.

WikiHow

A workable compromise, it seems.

The New York Times

"This is not a workable proposition".

The New York Times

Committed to a workable compromise.

The Guardian - Sport

A workable plan was hatched.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in technical documentation, using "a workable understanding" can highlight that the comprehension is not just theoretical but practically applicable.

Common error

Avoid using "a workable understanding" when referring to a superficial or incomplete grasp of a topic. Ensure the understanding is deep enough to be practically applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a workable understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "workable" modifies the noun "understanding". It describes the type of understanding, emphasizing its practicality and applicability. Ludwig identifies this as a grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a workable understanding" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a level of comprehension that is practical and applicable. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively conveys the idea of a functional and useful comprehension, with alternatives like "a practical understanding" or "a functional understanding" offering similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a practical understanding

Replaces 'workable' with 'practical', emphasizing the utility of the understanding.

a functional understanding

Substitutes 'workable' with 'functional', highlighting the operational aspect of the understanding.

a sound grasp

Uses 'sound grasp' to convey a firm and reliable comprehension.

a realistic appreciation

Emphasizes that the understanding is grounded in reality.

a coherent perspective

Highlights the clarity and logical consistency of the understanding.

an effective knowledge

Focuses on the usefulness and impact of the knowledge.

a viable interpretation

Suggests the understanding is capable of working or surviving successfully.

a constructive awareness

Implies the understanding leads to positive outcomes.

an operational awareness

Indicates the understanding is directly applicable to operations.

a manageable interpretation

Indicates the understanding is something one can handle or deal with.

FAQs

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

You can use "a workable understanding" to describe a level of comprehension that allows you to apply knowledge effectively, such as, "After the training, the team had "a workable understanding" of the new software".

What are some alternatives to "a workable understanding"?

Alternatives include "a practical understanding", "a functional understanding", or "a sound grasp", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a workable understanding" or "a complete understanding"?

It depends on the context. "A complete understanding" implies full comprehension, while "a workable understanding" suggests a level of comprehension sufficient for practical application. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual level of understanding.

When should I use "a workable understanding" over "a basic understanding"?

"A basic understanding" implies a rudimentary level of knowledge. "A workable understanding" suggests a more advanced level that enables effective action or problem-solving. Use "a workable understanding" when the knowledge allows for practical application.