acquire understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The dynamic equilibrium depicts the ongoing random movement of molecules when the system stabilizes, which is an essential concept in order to fully acquire understanding of osmotic processes at the microscopic level.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

They had participated in a lengthy participatory training with experienced facilitators to acquire understanding of research and KGBC themselves, but now felt limited in their own skills and the time they should take in explaining these to potential participants.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the end of the course, I will ask them to draw another concept map of SPs to illustrate their newly acquired understanding of SPs and of science in general.

International Journal of STEM Education

Therefore, the precursor to economic appraisal is acquired understanding of the technical relationships between surveillance, intervention and mitigation.

BMC Health Services Research

This practice also reflects an acquired understanding of how one's body reacts to a change in the status of a disease/medication.

Global Health Action

As the standard story has it, science increasingly acquired understandings of how nature unaided by deliberate intent and planning could produce virtually any R proposed, and thus while (2) might continue to hold for virtually any human artifact a having any intended R one might please, (3) — and consequently the inference to (4) — became progressively less defensible.

SEP

Practice is often ahead of teaching and research: it is likely that, in rural and remote regions now being affected by climate change, doctors are already acquiring understandings of interactions between climate change and health they were not taught at medical school [ 9, 10].

BMC Medical Education

The European Commission?s Translation Service offers 5-month in-house traineeships for graduates who wish to acquire an understanding of its work and gain professional translation experience.

Science Magazine

The question is, how did he acquire his understanding of women of all ages and conditions?

The Guardian - Film

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

The New York Times - Books

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acquire understanding of", ensure the object of understanding is clearly defined. For example, "acquire understanding of the process" is more effective than just "acquire understanding."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "acquire understanding of" can sound somewhat stiff in less formal contexts. Consider using more natural alternatives like "learn about" or "get to grips with" to make your writing more approachable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire understanding of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of gaining knowledge or comprehension about a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire understanding of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to describe the process of gaining knowledge, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While acceptable across different registers, it tends to be more prevalent in neutral and formal settings, especially in fields like science, news, and formal business communications. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "gain insight into" or "learn about". Remember to clearly define the object of understanding for maximum clarity. Mastering this phrase and its nuances can significantly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain insight into

This alternative emphasizes the process of obtaining a deeper, more intuitive comprehension.

develop comprehension of

Focuses on gradually building a thorough and complete understanding.

attain knowledge of

Highlights achieving a state of knowing something, often through effort or study.

achieve awareness of

This suggests becoming conscious or informed about something.

grasp the intricacies of

Implies a thorough and detailed understanding of complex aspects.

formulate an informed opinion on

This suggests developing a well-reasoned perspective based on acquired knowledge.

build expertise in

Focuses on developing a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.

become proficient in

Emphasizes achieving competence and skill through learning and practice.

familiarize oneself with

Suggests becoming acquainted with something, often as a preliminary step to deeper understanding.

cultivate an appreciation for

Highlights developing a sense of value and understanding, often in a subjective or aesthetic context.

FAQs

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

You can use "acquire understanding of" to describe the process of gaining knowledge or comprehension. For example: "Students need to "acquire understanding of" the subject matter to pass the exam."

What are some alternatives to "acquire understanding of"?

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

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

Both "acquire understanding of" and "gain understanding of" are correct, but "gain understanding of" is generally considered more common and slightly less formal.

What's the difference between "acquire understanding of" and "have an understanding of"?

"Acquire understanding of" describes the process of learning, while "have an understanding of" describes the state of possessing knowledge. For example: "They are working hard to "acquire understanding of" the topic" versus "They "have an understanding of" the topic after studying it."