an adequate understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate understanding of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a sufficient level of knowledge or comprehension of a certain topic or concept. Example: "To succeed in this field, one must have an adequate understanding of the latest technologies and trends." In this sentence, the phrase is used to indicate that a person needs to have a satisfactory level of knowledge about current technologies and trends in order to succeed in that particular field.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without an adequate understanding of this concept, humanitarian agencies will not truly understand the security risks they face.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

9 Alumni will be surveyed and asked whether they were adequately prepared for their careers and whether they were provided with an adequate understanding of their career options.

University of California, Berkeley

WV: Is the Trump administration showing an adequate understanding of the Balkans and Kosovo's needs?

The Washington Post

Without an adequate understanding of when personal initiative is appreciated, being proactive can do more harm than good.

Harvard Business Review

Such decisions require an adequate understanding of the available opioids and experience with their use.

Metabolism

This ambitious goal can be attained if designers build on an adequate understanding of creative processes.

The Craft of Information Visualization Readings and Reflections

It is only from a broad assessment of these works that an adequate understanding of his thought can be gained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You still have a large number of officers who simply don't have an adequate understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse".

The Guardian

But they hinted that the public still lacks an adequate understanding of the NSA's powers to collect data on Americans under its controversial interpretation of the Patriot Act.

The Guardian

In order to ensure efficiency, safety and reliability of bonded joints, an adequate understanding of their behaviour is necessary.

International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

As our analysis of these and other decisions demonstrates, an appreciation of the law-equity distinction remains necessary for an adequate understanding of Anglo-American legal systems.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an adequate understanding of", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes 'adequate' for the specific situation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an adequate understanding of" when a more comprehensive or expert level of knowledge is actually required. Assess the situation to ensure that 'adequate' is indeed sufficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate understanding of" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the necessary level of comprehension required for a specific context. As shown by Ludwig, the structure indicates that a certain level of knowledge is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an adequate understanding of" is a frequently used phrase that signifies the necessity of having sufficient knowledge or comprehension about a subject or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including science, news, and academia. The phrase serves to emphasize the importance of being well-informed before making decisions or taking actions. While synonyms like "a sufficient grasp of" or "a sound knowledge of" can be used, it's crucial to ensure that the level of understanding is truly 'adequate' for the given context to avoid overstating one's expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sufficient grasp of

Replaces "adequate understanding" with "sufficient grasp", focusing on the level of comprehension achieved.

a reasonable comprehension of

Substitutes "adequate understanding" with "reasonable comprehension", suggesting a moderate level of understanding.

a sound knowledge of

Replaces "understanding" with "knowledge", emphasizing the factual aspect of comprehension.

a proper appreciation of

Changes "understanding" to "appreciation", highlighting a valued and insightful comprehension.

a working knowledge of

Indicates a practical understanding, sufficient for applying the knowledge.

a decent familiarity with

Suggests a basic, yet acceptable, level of understanding or acquaintance.

a satisfactory command of

Implies control and competence in using the understood subject matter.

a fair insight into

Focuses on gaining a glimpse or perception of the subject.

a basic handle on

Suggests a rudimentary but functional understanding.

a rudimentary awareness of

Indicates the most basic level of knowledge or consciousness of something.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate "an adequate understanding of" a topic?

Demonstrate "an adequate understanding of" a topic by explaining key concepts, applying them to relevant scenarios, and answering common questions accurately. Being able to summarize the topic's main points also showcases comprehension.

What's the difference between "an adequate understanding of" and "a deep understanding of"?

"An adequate understanding of" implies sufficient knowledge for a specific purpose, while "a deep understanding of" suggests a more thorough, nuanced, and comprehensive grasp of the subject.

What are some synonyms for "an adequate understanding of"?

Synonyms include "a sufficient grasp of", "a reasonable comprehension of", or "a sound knowledge of", all conveying a satisfactory level of comprehension.

Is it always necessary to have "an adequate understanding of" something before acting?

While not always mandatory, having "an adequate understanding of" a situation or task significantly improves the chances of success and reduces the risk of errors or negative consequences. The required level of understanding varies based on the complexity and potential impact of the action.