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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
build an understanding of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "build an understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of gaining knowledge or insight about a particular subject. For example: "We need to build an understanding of the challenges the company is facing."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(20)
comprehend
building an impression
get some feeling
get some direction
build an air of
got some sense
get a handle on
form an atmosphere
get some sense
get some discovery
form an opinion
form an evidence
form an alliance
gained some sense
get some sensation
come to a realization
got an idea
achieve an understanding of
draw a conclusion about
get some purpose
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
An important process is to build an understanding of how the CMOCs we have constructed fit in with our initial programme theory.
Science
From physical journeys, we build an understanding of relationships.
News & Media
Help students explore and build an understanding of what it means to be a humanitarian.
News & Media
For teacher Suzanne Cohen, film is a powerful tool to build an understanding of the world.
News & Media
Her goal is to build an understanding of viral infection from a proteomics perspective.
Academia
We should start to build an understanding of how these animals played a role in the ecology of ancient Australia.
News & Media
"We tried to build an understanding of what's happening in individual sectors and where opportunity may be growing," Mr. Chester said.
News & Media
In addition, it proved to be critical to build an understanding of the translation between recombinant cell-based systems, native tissue preparations and in vivo preclinical models.
These technologies not only help discover the systems on the network, but also build an understanding of the way the network operates and is used.
"It also points to the continued need of 4A and all of us in our company to bridge and build an understanding of Asians, our communities and our issues".
News & Media
"Whilst Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky are relevant to all of us today, it is vital that performing institutions like the N.H.S.O. also foster and build an understanding of the new".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "build an understanding of", clearly define the subject or topic you aim to understand to provide context and purpose.
Common error
Avoid using "build an understanding of" repeatedly in a single paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "develop an understanding of", "gain insight into", or other related phrases to maintain readability and engagement.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "build an understanding of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of developing or constructing comprehension. It is commonly used to express the process of acquiring knowledge or insight about a particular subject, as supported by Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
Science
45%
News & Media
35%
Academia
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "build an understanding of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse fields, including science, news, and academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes the process of gaining knowledge or insight. While versatile, varying your language and avoiding overuse can enhance clarity and engagement. Consider using alternatives like "develop an understanding of" or "gain insight into" to add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
develop an understanding of
Emphasizes the process of gradual development of comprehension.
gain insight into
Focuses on acquiring a deeper, more intuitive comprehension.
foster an understanding of
Highlights the act of cultivating or encouraging comprehension.
acquire knowledge of
Stresses the accumulation of factual information.
cultivate an appreciation for
Implies developing a nuanced and valuing comprehension.
form a grasp of
Focuses on achieving a solid, comprehensive understanding.
get a handle on
Suggests gaining control and practical understanding.
comprehend
A more concise, direct verb for understanding.
decipher
Implies uncovering a meaning that is hidden or difficult to understand.
interpret
Focuses on explaining the meaning of something.
FAQs
How can I use "build an understanding of" in a sentence?
You can use "build an understanding of" to describe the process of gaining knowledge or insight about a subject. For instance, "Researchers are working to build an understanding of the disease's progression".
What are some alternatives to "build an understanding of"?
You can use alternatives like "develop an understanding of", "gain insight into", or "foster an understanding of" depending on the context.
Is "build an understanding about" grammatically correct?
No, the correct preposition to use after "build an understanding" is "of", not "about". Therefore, "build an understanding of" is the grammatically correct phrase.
What's the difference between "build an understanding of" and "have an understanding of"?
"Build an understanding of" implies a process of gaining knowledge, while "have an understanding of" suggests possessing existing knowledge. For example, "We need to build an understanding of the new regulations" versus "We have an understanding of the current market trends".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested