complex understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a deep or intricate comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "Her complex understanding of quantum physics allows her to contribute significantly to the research team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His poems required a complex understanding of Russian.

The New Yorker

Tells of his complex understanding of the nature of the city as the locus of civilization.

The New Yorker

Officer McGarry came to policing as a young man with a more complex understanding of bad people than some.

The New York Times

From this roughshod Europe of the mind, Cather also emerged with a complex understanding of American identity.

The New Yorker

Teasing out climate patterns from tree rings requires a complex understanding of statistics, biology and climatology.

The New York Times

I hope they pose questions and stimulate a more complex understanding of America's legacy in Iraq.

The New York Times

Elsewhere, architects are likely to develop a more complex understanding of the city's role as an instrument of continuity in the modern world.

The New York Times - Arts

"What was initially for me a love of the countryside has turned into a complex understanding of how we relate to the land," Dale says.

Independent

It means developing a more complex understanding of the matters under consideration than the cartoonish black and white that both left and the right tend to fall back on.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now comes a television series, "Kings," which is giving Saul his star turn, and in its way introducing viewers to a more complex understanding of the Davidic narrative, one that accords with the perspective of many Bible scholars.

The New York Times

He is both of his time (sharing many preoccupations with Saul Bellow and William Golding, 73 and 74 in this series), and a cultural pioneer, asserting the need for a richer and more complex understanding of a great country.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complex understanding of" when you want to emphasize a deep, intricate, and nuanced comprehension of a subject. This phrase is suitable for conveying expertise or thorough knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "complex understanding" in contexts where a simpler term like "understanding" or "knowledge" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious. Opt for more straightforward language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex understanding of" functions as a noun phrase that describes the nature and quality of someone's comprehension or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex understanding of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a deep and intricate comprehension of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and scientific writing. While alternatives such as "sophisticated grasp of" or "deep insight into" exist, "complex understanding of" effectively communicates a nuanced and thorough grasp of a topic. Avoid overuse in simpler contexts to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound comprehension of

Uses "profound comprehension" to indicate a deep and thorough level of understanding.

comprehensive grasp of

Highlights the completeness and breadth of understanding.

sophisticated grasp of

Changes "complex understanding" to "sophisticated grasp", emphasizing skill and refinement in comprehension.

deep insight into

Replaces "understanding" with "insight", highlighting intuition and depth of perception.

thorough knowledge of

Substitutes "understanding" with "knowledge", stressing comprehensive familiarity with a subject.

detailed knowledge about

Focuses on specific details and information known about a subject.

in-depth appreciation of

Stresses a thorough and detailed understanding leading to enhanced value.

nuanced appreciation for

Emphasizes subtle distinctions and refined judgment in comprehending something.

refined perception of

Indicates a cultivated and subtle understanding achieved through experience.

intricate awareness of

Focuses on detailed and interconnected comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex understanding of" to describe someone's expertise or deep knowledge in a particular field. For example: "Her complex understanding of quantum physics allowed her to make significant contributions to the research."

What are some alternatives to "complex understanding of"?

Alternatives include "sophisticated grasp of", "deep insight into", or "thorough knowledge of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "complex understanding of" instead of a simpler phrase like "understanding"?

Use "complex understanding of" when you want to emphasize the depth, intricacy, and nuance of the understanding. A simpler phrase may be more appropriate in less formal or technical contexts.

Is "complex understanding about" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "complex understanding about" is less common and idiomatic than "complex understanding of". It's generally better to use the preposition "of".