common understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "common understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a shared or mutual comprehension of a concept, idea, or situation among a group of people. Example: "There is a common understanding of the project's goals among all team members, which helps facilitate collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Internetworking is achieved by a common understanding of protocols.

Stanford University

Existing web services lack a common understanding of terms.

Stanford University

One other common understanding of the letters is contact information.

The New York Times

"We need a common understanding of what being in Germany means," she says.

The New York Times

This does not square, to put it mildly, with the common understanding of Catholic teaching.

The New York Times

Problem-solving involves developing a common understanding of that need and of all its implications.

Harvard Business Review

It's also about promoting a common understanding of the organization's values and purpose.

Harvard Business Review

"Our common understanding of charity is you give something of yourself to help somebody else.

The Washington Post

It is imperative that we demand clarity in our common understanding of evil.

The New York Times

The two sides "share a common understanding of where our red lines are..

The Washington Post

By any common understanding of the word, New Jersey was bankrupt, and things were about to get worse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, establish a "common understanding of" key terms early in your paper. This creates a solid foundation for your arguments and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience shares your "common understanding of" a topic. Always provide sufficient background information and context to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common understanding of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a shared comprehension or agreement on a particular concept or idea. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is widely used to describe shared perspectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "common understanding of" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase that signifies a shared comprehension or agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse sources, including news, science, and academia, underscore its reliability. When using this phrase, ensure you're providing enough context to avoid assumptions of shared knowledge. Alternatives like "shared comprehension of" or "mutual agreement on" can add nuance depending on your intended emphasis. Its usage spans formal to informal settings, making it a valuable asset for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared comprehension of

Replaces 'understanding' with 'comprehension', emphasizing the mental grasp of the subject.

collective grasp of

Uses 'grasp' instead of 'understanding' which conveys a firm hold on the concept.

accepted interpretation of

Highlights the interpretation is widely accepted.

mutual agreement on

Focuses on the aspect of agreement rather than just understanding.

joint recognition of

Focuses on acknowledging or recognizing something together.

unified perspective on

Highlights the alignment of viewpoints.

concordant interpretation of

Emphasizes the harmony in how something is interpreted.

harmonious perception of

Highlights a pleasing agreement in how something is perceived.

general awareness of

Shifts the focus to broader awareness rather than in-depth understanding.

widespread knowledge of

Stresses the breadth of knowledge rather than depth of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "common understanding of" in a sentence?

You can use "common understanding of" to describe a shared knowledge or agreement on a particular subject. For example: "There is a "common understanding of" the project's goals among all team members."

What are some alternatives to "common understanding of"?

Alternatives include "shared comprehension of", "mutual agreement on", or "collective grasp of", depending on the specific context.

Is it necessary to establish a "common understanding of" terms in academic writing?

Yes, it is crucial to establish a "common understanding of" key terms in academic writing to prevent misinterpretations and ensure that your arguments are clearly understood by the reader.

Why is "common understanding of" important in team collaboration?

A "common understanding of" roles, responsibilities, and goals is essential for effective team collaboration, as it minimizes confusion and promotes a unified approach to achieving project objectives.