an initial understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an initial understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's first introduction to a concept or idea. For example: "My professor provided an initial understanding of quantum physics, which I've been studying in more depth since then."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Second, this study provides an initial understanding of guidelines for course design using Web-based technologies.

Computers and Composition

The results provide an initial understanding of how these factors affect selection performance.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

In doing so, we gain an initial understanding of the breadth and depth of the Semantic Web in the geosciences.

Computers & Geosciences

Getting an initial understanding of the structure of a software system, whether it is for software maintenance, evolution or reengineering purposes, is a nontrivial task.

Computer Languages, Systems & Structures

Here, we investigate if computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can provide an initial understanding of pressure changes in an AD computational model when covering entry and exit tears and removing the intra-arterial septum (IS).

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

These findings are important to an initial understanding of wildfire-induced alterations in loess properties and then can afford useful posthoc estimate to such as erosion and debris flow geohazard processing in the fire-affected loess areas.

Applied Clay Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice with extremely diverse undefined microbiotas have helped to gain an important initial understanding of the importance of the microbiota composition in a variety of disease models.

Gut Microbes

For example, they are often used to provide a profound initial understanding of the problem that can then be complemented by quantitative approaches that incorporate the learning into a more realistic and sophisticated quantitative analysis [ 6].

Health Research Policy and Systems

While developing initial understanding of a software system, incorrect information is the biggest concern.

Object-Oriented Reengineering Patterns

We found a positive relationship between student initial understanding of the LDS stance on evolution (ULSE) and initial acceptance of evolution (MATE; see Table 3).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Despite the initial understanding of Sprouty as a negative regulator of ERK, it is now evident that Sprouty has targets beyond ERK and functions, in concert with a variety of interacting molecules, in a cell- and context-dependent manner.

Cancer and Metastasis Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "an initial understanding of" with a brief explanation of what that understanding encompasses.

Common error

Avoid using "an initial understanding of" when describing a subject you've mastered. This phrase indicates a starting point, not a culmination of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an initial understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the preliminary comprehension of a subject. Ludwig confirms its correctness in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an initial understanding of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes a basic or introductory level of comprehension. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English, and can be used to describe someone's first introduction to a concept or idea. Predominantly found in science, news, and formal business contexts, it sets expectations for a foundational grasp of a subject. Consider alternatives like "an introductory understanding of" or "a basic grasp of" depending on your desired nuance. Be sure not to confuse "an initial understanding" with comprehensive knowledge, and follow practical writing guidance to enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a first understanding of

Replaces "an initial" with "a first", slightly altering the emphasis.

an introductory understanding of

Replaces "initial" with "introductory", indicating a basic level of understanding.

an original understanding of

Replaces "initial" with "original", emphasizing the novelty of the understanding.

an initial idea of

Substitutes "understanding" with "idea", suggesting a more preliminary grasp.

an initial insight of

Replaces "understanding" with "insight", implying a deeper, intuitive grasp.

an initial interpretation of

Substitutes "understanding" with "interpretation", highlighting a subjective perspective.

an initial appreciation of

Replaces "understanding" with "appreciation", implying a favorable recognition.

a preliminary knowledge of

Replaces "an initial understanding of" with "a preliminary knowledge of", highlighting the foundational aspect.

a basic grasp of

Replaces "an initial understanding of" with "a basic grasp of", making it shorter and less formal.

a nascent awareness of

Replaces "an initial understanding of" with "a nascent awareness of", emphasizing the emergent quality of understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "an initial understanding of" to describe a basic comprehension of a subject, such as: "The lecture provided "an initial understanding of" quantum mechanics."

What's a good alternative to "an initial understanding of"?

Consider alternatives like "an introductory understanding of", "a basic grasp of", or "a preliminary knowledge of", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an initial understanding of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an initial understanding of" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate a foundational level of knowledge.

How does "an initial understanding of" differ from "a comprehensive understanding of"?

"An initial understanding of" implies a starting point, while "a comprehensive understanding of" suggests complete and thorough knowledge. Use "an initial understanding of" when describing the beginning stages of learning, and "a comprehensive understanding of" when describing full mastery.