acquire an understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire an understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of gaining knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or topic. Example: "In order to excel in this field, it is essential to acquire an understanding of the fundamental principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

We slowly acquire an understanding of how the war has shaped them, their relationships and their families.

The New York Times - Books

Mechanical engineering students acquire an understanding of the fundamentals of mechanics and of the thermal energy sciences.

Yale University

Students completing this course will acquire an understanding of the origins of the Court's power to review the constitutionality of governmental actions.

Columbia University

Through discussions and assigned readings, students will acquire an understanding of diverse fields of biology and get a glimpse of how scientific research is done.

Cornell University

Princess Fatima told the President through an interpreter [Weyman] that she was in this country as a traveller and to obtain an education for her sons and to acquire an understanding of the United States.

The New Yorker

He believed that Vietnam was too backward technologically to assert itself among modern nations and that it should acquire an understanding of French civilization and Western scientific knowledge before becoming independent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

More recently, biologist Bruce Alberts writes: "we can say with confidence that the fastest and most efficient way of acquiring an understanding of ourselves is to devote an enormous effort trying to understand … relatively 'simple' organisms" (in Schaffner 1998a, p. 277).

SEP

In a news conference Friday night, Gómez said that after weeks of investigation and military and police operations in the region, authorities had acquired an understanding of Guzmán's properties and vehicles, including planes.

The Washington Post

The play is less about how Melody copes with sudden loss or contemplates her future than about her acquiring an understanding of her marriage and what it might have become.

The New York Times

Once acquired, an understanding of desire can illuminate a number of controversies surrounding desire.

SEP

Acquiring an understanding of the importance of volunteer work; continued service-learning engagement after graduation from Duke.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, follow "acquire an understanding of" with specific details about the subject matter. For example, "acquire an understanding of quantum physics" offers more context than simply "acquire an understanding."

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "acquire an understanding of" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "gain insight into" or "develop a grasp of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire an understanding of" functions as a verb phrase that expresses the action of gaining knowledge or comprehension. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "acquire an understanding of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey the act of gaining knowledge or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is particularly prevalent in academic, scientific, and journalistic writing. While effective, diversifying your vocabulary by incorporating alternatives like "gain insight into" or "develop a grasp of" can enhance your writing style. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly specify the subject matter to provide adequate context for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build a comprehension of

Focuses on constructing a thorough and organized understanding.

develop a grasp of

Emphasizes achieving a firm and comprehensive understanding.

secure an insight into

Implies obtaining a deeper, more intuitive understanding.

gain an appreciation for

Focuses more on developing a sense of value or admiration, rather than just intellectual understanding.

attain a knowledge of

Highlights the achievement of gaining factual information or expertise.

cultivate an awareness of

Suggests a gradual process of developing understanding, often through experience.

foster a familiarity with

Emphasizes becoming well-acquainted with something, often through repeated exposure.

glean an idea of

Suggests gathering information or understanding from various sources, often indirectly.

form a perception of

Focuses on developing a subjective view or interpretation.

evolve an interpretation of

Implies that the understanding is the result of an ongoing and gradual process of developing understanding.

FAQs

What does "acquire an understanding of" mean?

The phrase "acquire an understanding of" means to gain knowledge, comprehension, or insight into a particular subject or topic. It suggests a process of learning and developing a clear grasp of something.

How can I use "acquire an understanding of" in a sentence?

You can use "acquire an understanding of" to describe the process of learning. For example, "Students must "acquire an understanding of" the scientific method to conduct experiments effectively".

What are some alternatives to "acquire an understanding of"?

Alternatives include "gain insight into", "develop a grasp of", "attain a knowledge of", or "build a comprehension of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "gain an understanding of" or "acquire an understanding of"?

Both "gain an understanding of" and "acquire an understanding of" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference. "Acquire" might suggest a more deliberate or effortful process of learning, while "gain" can imply a more passive reception of knowledge.