a working understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a working understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a practical or functional level of knowledge about a subject, often implying that the understanding is sufficient for practical purposes. Example: "To collaborate effectively on this project, we need to have a working understanding of the software we will be using."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It is possible to be post-fashion, the store proposes, and still be mindful of what you wear in a way that quietly acknowledges a working understanding of style without flashing it in neon lights.

The New York Times

Yet the superhero reader is also likely to have read Art Spiegelman's Maus; the science fiction fan will read 2000AD; and the fan of the obscure comix zine is also likely to have a working understanding of Persepolis and Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Guardian - Books

There has been considerable progress in developing a working understanding of safety and security issues in an independent manner.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

As professional biologists, we know that the ability to integrate information and concepts across scales is critical for a working understanding of our broad discipline.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Unless you live on the veldt with your family of Stone Age bushmen, I expect that you have a working understanding of the current iPhone 3G.

TechCrunch

There are other professions that should have a working understanding of the Internet and applications that people use on a daily basis.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Good internships connect you with great contacts, experience and a good working understanding of the industry.

Huffington Post

Furthermore, I work well with others, and feel my experience owning and operating my own businesses has provided me a unique working understanding of all areas of business operations and how they interact with each other.

Cover Letter

This is particularly important, because an accurate working understanding of potential energy is a prerequisite for understanding chemical energy or indeed any energy changes associated with bonding or intermolecular forces.

CBE Life Sciences Education

iSmithers Rapra Publishing is offering a book that gives readers a working knowledge and understanding of high-performance engineering plastics.

Sealing Technology

Then, there was Fiorenzo Omenetto, a scientist working on understanding and innovating using silk.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a working understanding", ensure it reflects a level of knowledge that is sufficient for practical application, rather than an exhaustive expertise. For example, "To use this software, you need a working understanding of its basic functions."

Common error

Avoid using "a working understanding" when describing expert-level knowledge. This phrase implies a functional but not necessarily comprehensive level of comprehension. Instead, use terms like "mastery" or "expertise" to convey a higher level of skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "working" modifies "understanding", indicating the type or level of understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a working understanding" is a noun phrase indicating a practical and functional level of knowledge, commonly used across science, news media, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the level of proficiency you intend to convey, avoiding overstatements of expertise. Related phrases, such as "a practical grasp" or "a functional awareness", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a practical grasp

Emphasizes the hands-on nature of the understanding.

a functional awareness

Highlights awareness sufficient for functional use.

a basic proficiency

Focuses on a foundational level of competence.

a solid command

Suggests a strong and reliable level of understanding.

an operational knowledge

Stresses knowledge applicable in operational settings.

a ready insight

Highlights an immediate and clear comprehension.

a decent familiarity

Implies a reasonable level of acquaintance with the subject.

a sound appreciation

Focuses on having a good sense of the value and implications.

a fair comprehension

Indicates an adequate but not necessarily complete understanding.

a rudimentary expertise

Highlights a foundational level of skill and knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "a working understanding" to indicate that someone has enough knowledge to perform a task or understand a concept adequately. For example, "The technician has "a working understanding" of electrical systems."

What can I say instead of "a working understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "a practical grasp", "a functional awareness", or "a basic proficiency" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "working knowledge" instead of "a working understanding"?

"Working knowledge" and "a working understanding" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Working knowledge" may imply more direct experience, while ""a working understanding"" emphasizes comprehension of the concepts.

What does it mean to have "a working understanding" of something?

To have ""a working understanding"" means you possess sufficient knowledge or comprehension to use something effectively or to grasp its basic principles, even if you don't have in-depth expertise.