constructing an understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constructing an understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of developing knowledge or comprehension about a particular subject or concept. Example: "The teacher focused on constructing an understanding of mathematical principles through hands-on activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Consider, for example, if a teacher sometimes uses 3 × 2 to refer to 3 groups of 2 and then other times to refer to 2 groups of 3, students will have difficulties constructing an understanding of multiplication and mathematics will become spurious and meaningless (Schwartz 2008).

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rather than beginning with the D.S.M.'s placeholders and then seeking the biochemistry underlying them — which Hyman called a "fool's errand" — N.I.M.H. would encourage scientists to start with what is already known about the brain's role in mental suffering and try to build on that to construct an understanding of mental illness.

The New Yorker

The main aim was to construct an understanding of what system-level generic competences are needed to enhance the emergence of science-based human spare parts industry and describe the current situation in Tampere.

Triple Helix

Students begin the unit using their own skulls and proceed to use the replica skulls of extant vertebrates to construct an understanding of how skulls can be used to interpret and infer diets, dentition, dental formulae, bipedal or quadrupedal locomotion, and the social structure of animals.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This study utilised interviews, relying again on the conversation between interviewer and interviewee to construct an understanding of clinical processes.

BMC Family Practice

Through reflection on the findings, alone or with the help of a supervisor, students begin to construct an understanding of these clinical experiences.

BMC Medical Education

The analysis resulted in four main themes that constructed an understanding of the role of the intervention from the informant's perspectives.

Global Health Action

If this is done, instructors must ensure these activities give students the opportunity to personally construct an understanding of natural selection.

CBE Life Sciences Education

This would provide a more accurate description of the manner by which and extent to which faculty members are helping their students construct an understanding of the subject matter.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The data from this evaluation were used to construct an understanding of how successful the cooperative group assignment was in meeting the instructional goals both content learning and affective personal development—of the video activity.

CBE Life Sciences Education

These examples help to define and construct an understanding of the population being studied in ways that would be expected and hence will be the baseline for future analysis.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constructing an understanding of" when you want to emphasize the active and ongoing process of building knowledge, not just passively receiving information.

Common error

Avoid using "constructing an understanding of" when a simpler phrase like "understanding" or "learning about" would suffice. The phrase is best suited for situations where the development of understanding is complex or multifaceted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constructing an understanding of" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights the active process of building knowledge or comprehension. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constructing an understanding of" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase that describes the active process of building knowledge and comprehension. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that is usable in written English, though it leans towards a formal register. When using this phrase, consider whether simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings. To enhance writing, focus on emphasizing the active nature of learning and avoid overuse in simple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building comprehension of

Emphasizes the gradual accumulation of knowledge.

gaining insight into

Highlights the achievement of a deeper, more intuitive understanding.

cultivating a grasp of

Highlights the effort and care involved in gaining understanding.

achieving a clear picture of

Emphasizes the attainment of a distinct and lucid understanding.

developing an awareness of

Focuses on initial recognition and perception rather than in-depth comprehension.

advancing one's knowledge of

Implies improving and expanding existing knowledge.

forming a conception of

Suggests creating a mental image or model.

establishing a familiarity with

Focuses on becoming acquainted with a topic.

acquiring knowledge about

Focuses on obtaining factual information.

fostering an appreciation for

Implies developing a positive sentiment along with understanding.

FAQs

What does "constructing an understanding of" mean?

It refers to the process of actively building or creating knowledge and comprehension about a specific topic. It suggests a deliberate and ongoing effort to learn and internalize information.

How can I use "constructing an understanding of" in a sentence?

You might say, "The course is designed to help students in constructing an understanding of the principles of economics." This emphasizes the active role students play in their learning.

What are some alternatives to "constructing an understanding of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "developing an awareness of", "building comprehension of", or "gaining insight into".

Is "constructing an understanding of" formal or informal?

It leans towards a more formal register, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. In casual conversation, simpler phrases are generally preferred.