better understand

USAGE SUMMARY

"better understand" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to talk about improving one's understanding or gaining a greater understanding about something. For example: "By attending the seminar, I was able to better understand the importance of proper investments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Insiders better understand the culture.

The New York Times

Doctors better understand the symptoms.

The New York Times

People had better understand that.

The New York Times

"And now I better understand why".

The New York Times - Books

We better understand ourselves and others.

The New York Times

Now we better understand both their characters.

The New York Times - Books

3. Better understand the return on investment.

The Guardian

To better understand the blue diamonds, the scientists wanted to better understand the boron in them.

The New York Times - Science

Why wouldn't I want to better understand "Ending the line"?

The New Yorker

Danielle Rodabaugh helps female entrepreneurs better understand surety bonds.

The New York Times

So you better understand what they are saying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better understand" when you want to emphasize the process of improving comprehension, rather than simply stating a fact. For instance, "Further research is needed to better understand the causes of climate change."

Common error

While "better understand" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider stronger verbs like "comprehend", "discern", or "ascertain" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better understand" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of improving one's comprehension or knowledge of a subject. Examples provided by Ludwig show it used in contexts where further study or explanation is needed to enhance understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "better understand" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the process of improving one's comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's advisable to consider synonyms like "fully grasp" or "thoroughly comprehend" to avoid repetition in formal writing. When using the phrase, emphasize the ongoing nature of learning and improvement in understanding. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, this phrase is a valuable tool for expressing the need for greater clarity and knowledge in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly comprehend

This alternative implies a deep and comprehensive understanding, focusing on the depth of knowledge acquired.

fully grasp

This alternative suggests a complete comprehension, emphasizing the thoroughness of understanding.

refine one's understanding of

This alternative implies improving and perfecting an existing understanding, focusing on making it more precise.

gain deeper insight into

This alternative highlights the process of acquiring a more profound understanding, suggesting a journey of discovery.

enhance comprehension of

This alternative stresses the improvement of one's ability to understand, focusing on the act of making understanding better.

develop a clearer perception of

This alternative emphasizes the development of a more distinct and accurate understanding, focusing on improved clarity.

acquire a greater awareness of

This alternative focuses on becoming more conscious or knowledgeable about something, highlighting increased awareness.

get a better handle on

This alternative suggests gaining more control or mastery over a subject, implying a practical understanding.

dig deeper into

This alternative encourages further exploration to uncover hidden or more profound knowledge.

get to the bottom of

This alternative refers to discovering the fundamental truth or cause, suggesting a complete resolution of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "better understand" in a sentence?

You can use "better understand" to describe the process of gaining improved knowledge or comprehension. For example, "The goal of the workshop is to help participants "better understand" the new regulations."

What are some alternatives to "better understand"?

Alternatives include "fully grasp", "thoroughly comprehend", or "gain deeper insight into" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "understand better" instead of "better understand"?

While "understand better" isn't grammatically incorrect, "better understand" is generally preferred because it flows more naturally and is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Better understand" emphasizes the improvement in understanding as a single concept.

What is the difference between "better understand" and "have a better understanding of"?

"Better understand" is a verb phrase that emphasizes the action of improving comprehension. "Have a better understanding of" is a noun phrase that emphasizes the state of possessing improved knowledge. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the process or the result.