arrive at an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arrive at an understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of reaching a mutual agreement or comprehension between parties. Example: "After several hours of discussion, we were finally able to arrive at an understanding regarding the project's goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Justice Breyer similarly relies on the FDA regulations to arrive at an understanding of §360(k).

Cornell University

The great benefit of Ishmael Beah's memoir, "A Long Way Gone," is that it may help us arrive at an understanding of this situation.

The New York Times - Books

People arrive at an understanding of themselves and the world through narratives narratives purveyed by schoolteachers, newscasters, "authorities," and all the other authors of our common sense.

The New Yorker

The results show how space use data can be interfaced with spatial analysis tools to arrive at an understanding of the relationship between space use and building design.

Automation in Construction

People arrive at an understanding of themselves and the world through narratives — narratives purveyed by schoolteachers, newscasters, "authorities," and all the other authors of our common sense.

The New Yorker

The use of phase diagrams and diffusion paths to arrive at an understanding of scale constitutions is examined and surface processes are analyzed.

Corrosion Series

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Mazda and the United Automobile Workers have arrived at an understanding that workers in the plant will vote later on whether they want to be in the union.

The New York Times

"Even though the government has branded these movements as superstitions or even cults, in reality the local government often arrives at an understanding with the local temple," said Luo Hongguang, a sociologist at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, who has studied the phenomenon.

The New York Times

While the field has arrived at an understanding of the core communication-and-resolution practices, limited adherence fuels skepticism that programs are meeting the needs of patients and families who have been injured by care or improving patient safety.

Stanford University

In his one-sided exchange with his teacher, Miss Stretchberry (we get traces of her presence: "O.K, O.K., O.K. / I will learn how to spell alliteration"), he argues, cajoles and remembers, and arrives at an understanding of what words are for.

The New York Times

Comprehension of changes in metabolic profiles during one's lifespan, starting from the earliest stages, may represent an important point of reference in arriving at an understanding of their fundamental mechanisms and their consequent metabolic alterations.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arrive at an understanding", ensure that the context clearly indicates a process of reaching comprehension or agreement, especially after discussion or investigation. For example, "After a lengthy negotiation, the parties involved were able to "arrive at an understanding" regarding the contract terms."

Common error

Avoid using "arrive at an understanding" when a simpler phrase like "understand" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose. If the understanding is immediate or inherent, a more direct word might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arrive at an understanding" functions as a verb phrase indicating the culmination of a process leading to mutual comprehension or agreement. It emphasizes the journey towards a shared perspective, aligning with the examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

31%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arrive at an understanding" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression indicating the process of reaching a mutual agreement or comprehension, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is best suited for contexts where understanding is achieved through discussion or investigation. While versatile across various registers, it tends to lean towards formal and neutral settings. Alternatives such as "reach an agreement" or "come to a consensus" can be used depending on the specific context. Using the phrase appropriately involves ensuring it genuinely reflects a process of comprehension rather than a simple state of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach an agreement

Focuses more on the agreement aspect rather than the comprehension.

come to a consensus

Implies a group decision or shared opinion.

gain insight

Emphasizes the process of gaining a deeper understanding.

develop a comprehension

Highlights the gradual development of understanding.

foster a mutual understanding

Stresses the collaborative nature of building comprehension.

achieve common ground

Focuses on finding areas of agreement between different viewpoints.

build rapport

Emphasizes establishing a harmonious relationship leading to understanding.

see eye to eye

A more idiomatic way of saying agreeing or understanding each other.

realize

Focuses on a sudden understanding or awareness.

grasp the concept

Highlights understanding a specific idea or concept.

FAQs

How can I use "arrive at an understanding" in a sentence?

The phrase "arrive at an understanding" is used to describe the process of reaching a mutual agreement or comprehension after discussion or investigation. For example, "Both parties worked diligently to "reach an agreement" and arrive at an understanding of the core issues".

What can I say instead of "arrive at an understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "come to a consensus", "gain insight", or "achieve common ground" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "arrive at an understanding" or "reach an understanding"?

Both "arrive at an understanding" and "reach an agreement" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "arrive at an understanding" implies a more gradual process of comprehension, whereas "reach an understanding" might suggest a more direct or negotiated agreement.

When is it best to use "arrive at an understanding" versus a simpler phrase like "understand"?

"Arrive at an understanding" is best used when describing a process of coming to an agreement or comprehension through discussion or investigation. A simpler phrase like "understand" is more appropriate when the understanding is immediate or inherent, without requiring a deliberate process.