an intimate understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"an intimate understanding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means a deep or close understanding of something or someone. Example: "Mary and John's marriage lasted for 50 years because they had an intimate understanding of each other's needs and desires."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His staff is meticulously trained and has an intimate understanding of the dishes and wines served.

The New York Times

Many Catholics with an intimate understanding of Islam share this doubt.

The New Yorker

Managing without an intimate understanding of what is being managed is an invitation to disharmony.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. van Hove said Bergman's quest for an intimate understanding of his characters inspired his version.

The New York Times

The result is an intimate understanding of Peter as a flawed, not always likeable central character.

Independent

Developing these strategies will require an intimate understanding of the specific needs of professional athletes.

Harvard University

It is an advantage because he must have an intimate understanding of what he needs to do to beat Nadal.

The New York Times - Sports

Gary Winnick, with an intimate understanding of how to sell to the Street, had a very good story.

The New York Times

Her dramatic monologues have always had great verve and panache, and an intimate understanding of the twisting, turning human psyche.

The New York Times - Books

THE Indian jungle is unpredictable," said my guide, Navneet Singh, a dedicated conservationist with an intimate understanding of its secrets.

The New York Times - Travel

In some senses he believes that Sargy's blindness, following from an intimate understanding of colour, is a kind of release.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in technical or academic writing, use "an intimate understanding" to convey a level of comprehension that goes beyond superficial knowledge. For example: "Effective data analysis requires "an intimate understanding" of statistical methods."

Common error

Avoid using "an intimate understanding" in situations where a simpler term like 'knowledge' or 'awareness' would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intimate understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a deep and thorough comprehension of a subject, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intimate understanding" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase signifying a deep and thorough comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in various contexts, though most frequently found in news and media, academic, and business sources. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in general contexts where simpler terms suffice. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "a profound grasp" or "a thorough comprehension" for nuanced expression. By using this phrase judiciously, you can effectively convey depth and insight in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive insight

Stresses the breadth and completeness of the gained perspective.

a thorough comprehension

Highlights the completeness and extensiveness of the understanding.

an in-depth awareness

Focuses on a detailed and comprehensive level of consciousness.

a profound grasp

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the understanding.

a close familiarity

Conveys a sense of nearness and detailed knowledge through experience.

a nuanced appreciation

Implies a sensitive and subtle understanding of complex details.

a deep-seated knowledge

Suggests an understanding that is firmly established and deeply rooted.

a keen awareness

Highlights the sharpness and attentiveness of the understanding.

a sensitive perception

Emphasizes a fine-tuned and perceptive understanding of subtleties.

a specialized expertise

Implies a focused and highly skilled understanding in a specific area.

FAQs

How can I use "an intimate understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "an intimate understanding" to describe a deep and thorough comprehension of a subject, such as, "The success of the project relied on the team's "an intimate understanding" of the client's needs."

What can I say instead of "an intimate understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "a profound grasp", "a thorough comprehension", or "a deep-seated knowledge" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "intimate knowledge" or "intimate understanding"?

While both "intimate knowledge" and "intimate understanding" can be correct, "intimate understanding" often implies a deeper level of comprehension and insight compared to simply possessing knowledge. Choose the phrase that best reflects the depth of comprehension you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a close understanding" and "an intimate understanding"?

"An intimate understanding" suggests a more profound and deeply personal comprehension than "a close understanding". The term "intimate" implies a deeper level of familiarity and insight.