broaden understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broaden understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of expanding knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or topic. Example: "The workshop aims to broaden understanding of climate change and its impacts on our environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"By having interpersonal relationships we broaden understanding," Mr. Chertoff said.

The New York Times

He promised to listen clearly in order "to broaden understanding between North and South Korea".

The New York Times

This study will broaden understanding of connotative messages in terms of image retrieval and user behaviors.

Library & Information Science Research

They aim to deepen knowledge, broaden understanding, sharpen skills, and change behavior.

Harvard University

The study group, mainly scientists, seeks to broaden understanding of artificial intelligence and thus increase the odds society will be benefit from the technology.

The New York Times - Tech

This study provides a framework to broaden understanding of adoption behavior within this context and thereby increasing the chances for successful adoption of BIM.

Automation in Construction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

We assess both internal and external data to broaden understandings.

Cornell University

Additionally, the Lodish lab studies hormones controlling fatty acid and glucose metabolism, broadening understanding of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

New research, archaeologists and historians say, has broadened understanding of this long overlooked culture, which seemed to have approached the threshold of "civilization" status.

The New York Times - Science

Some of the £1m will be aimed at broadening understanding of Scotland's national poet by staging readings and exhibitions relating to the Bard.

The Guardian

He credits Dr. Lawrence H. Keeley, an anthropologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago who published "War Before Civilization" in 1996, with broadening understanding of warfare across time and cultures.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broaden understanding" when you want to emphasize the process of making comprehension more inclusive and comprehensive. For example, "The course aims to broaden understanding of different cultures."

Common error

Avoid using "broaden understanding" in contexts where a more specific term like "deepen knowledge" or "enhance skills" would be more appropriate. Ensure the context genuinely calls for a widening, rather than a deepening or sharpening, of comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broaden understanding" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically used as the object of another verb (e.g., "aim to broaden understanding"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe the act of expanding one's comprehension or knowledge about a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broaden understanding" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe expanding comprehension, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is suitable for various contexts, including academic, scientific, and news-related content. While versatile, it's essential to consider whether a more specific term like "deepen knowledge" might be more appropriate. The phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing inclusivity and comprehensiveness in understanding. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like the The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deepen comprehension

Focuses on intensifying the level of understanding rather than just making it wider.

expand knowledge

Emphasizes the accumulation of information rather than the comprehension of existing information.

enhance awareness

Highlights the growth in recognition or perception of a subject.

improve insight

Focuses on the quality of understanding, making it more profound.

foster comprehension

Suggests creating an environment that encourages understanding.

cultivate knowledge

Implies a deliberate and sustained effort to increase knowledge.

develop insights

Focuses on the gradual formation of deeper understanding.

increase awareness

Highlights a growth in recognition, but not necessarily comprehension.

promote insight

Suggests actively encouraging the development of understanding.

advance comprehension

Focuses on making progress in the ability to understand something.

FAQs

How can I use "broaden understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "broaden understanding" to describe the act of increasing comprehension or knowledge about a particular topic. For example: "Educational programs help to "broaden understanding" of complex issues."

What are some alternatives to "broaden understanding"?

Alternatives include "deepen comprehension", "expand knowledge", or "enhance awareness" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "broaden understanding" or "increase understanding"?

"Broaden understanding" suggests making understanding more inclusive and comprehensive, while "increase understanding" simply means to enhance comprehension. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "broaden understanding" and "deepen understanding"?

"Broaden understanding" refers to widening the scope of comprehension, while "deepen understanding" refers to increasing the depth of comprehension within a specific area.