an incomplete understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an incomplete understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of full knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or topic. Example: "His analysis was flawed due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Geneticists obviously have an incomplete understanding of how genes interact.

Nature

It creates an incomplete understanding of what pastured poultry is.

Harvard University

At best, this suggestion demonstrates an incomplete understanding of the efforts under way across our nation.

The New York Times

We also still have an incomplete understanding of how regulatory sequences are linked to target genes.

Nature

Clearly, scientists still have an incomplete understanding of how HDAC inhibitors work at the molecular level.

Stanford University

But the historians argue that this concern was based partly on an "incomplete" understanding of the Soviet experience in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

However, acupuncture's efficacy beyond the placebo effect still remains controversial, primarily because of an incomplete understanding of its biological basis.

Nature

But right now, these decisions are made based on an incomplete understanding of the cost of the various vulnerabilities.

Harvard Business Review

Although students' reasoning reflected an incomplete understanding of statistics they serve as building blocks for instruction.

Contemporary Educational Psychology

I do not think the barriers including language differences, an incomplete understanding of different healthcare systems, an incomplete understanding of different cultural practices are insurmountable in this day and age.

Stanford University

Cell-based therapy for fatal liver disease is limited by an incomplete understanding of cell-cell interactions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an incomplete understanding of", clearly identify what specific aspects are not fully understood to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an incomplete understanding of" when the situation involves a complete lack of knowledge. The phrase implies some level of awareness, even if limited.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an incomplete understanding of" functions as a noun modifier, typically describing a reason or cause for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it used to explain failures, challenges, or limitations in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an incomplete understanding of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a lack of comprehensive knowledge or comprehension. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to explain why something has not been fully successful or requires further investigation. The phrase appears most often in scientific, news and academic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, clearly specifying which aspects lack full understanding is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a limited grasp of

Focuses on the limited nature of the understanding, highlighting that the knowledge is not comprehensive.

a superficial knowledge of

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the understanding, suggesting a surface-level comprehension.

a rudimentary understanding of

Highlights the basic or elementary nature of the understanding.

a flawed comprehension of

Indicates that the understanding is not only incomplete but also contains inaccuracies or errors.

a partial awareness of

Suggests an acknowledgment of something without fully understanding its implications or details.

a hazy notion of

Implies that the understanding is vague and unclear.

a fragmented view of

Focuses on the disjointed and unconnected nature of the understanding.

a sketchy outline of

Suggests that only the bare essentials are understood, lacking detail and substance.

an imperfect appreciation of

Highlights the lack of complete and accurate evaluation or recognition.

a tentative interpretation of

Indicates that the understanding is provisional and subject to change.

FAQs

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

You can use "an incomplete understanding of" to describe a situation where knowledge about a topic is lacking or not fully developed. For example, "The project failed due to "an incomplete understanding of" the market dynamics".

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

Alternatives include "a limited grasp of", "a superficial knowledge of", or "a rudimentary understanding of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "incomplete understanding" or "lack of understanding"?

"Incomplete understanding" implies some level of comprehension exists, while "lack of understanding" suggests a complete absence of knowledge. The choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What's the difference between ""an incomplete understanding of"" and "a misunderstanding of"?

"An incomplete understanding of" means that knowledge is lacking. "A misunderstanding of" means that knowledge is incorrect.