core understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"core understanding" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the central or fundamental comprehension or knowledge of a topic or concept. Example: "Before beginning the project, we must establish a core understanding of the main objectives and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Their core understanding of the importance of community and audience interaction is unmistakably the future of entertainment.

The Guardian - Tech

What our increasing knowledge of testosterone suggests is a core understanding of what it is to be a man, for better and worse.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Having a governor from a coastal state with a core understanding of what it takes to improve our economy would be most welcome and a tremendous asset".

The New York Times

"The law," Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile said in The Times, "attacks our core understanding of what it means to be a church".

The New York Times

And in business, you really can't play the game unless you have a core understanding of your financials and cash flow.

The New York Times

"The law," said Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, "attacks our core understanding of what it means to be a church".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Core understandings in science are also dynamic, adjusting as new discoveries enrich and deepen our knowledge.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It's impossible to hand-code separate behaviors for every object and situation in the world, but a robot that can adapt and fill in the gaps while relying on a set of core understandings can get by.

TechCrunch

We argue that connecting statistical and measurement topics can provide a powerful tool for targeting these currently neglected core understandings in the elementary curriculum and for addressing the long-standing concerns regarding students' difficulties with measurement (Smith et al., 2011).

International Journal of STEM Education

Self-perception is at the core of understanding ourselves and provides the foundation for understanding others.

Huffington Post

The photos are "absolutely core to understanding the visual phenomena of what was happening," Ms. Ramirez said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "core understanding", ensure you're referring to the most fundamental and essential aspects of a subject, not just a general level of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "core understanding" when describing a superficial familiarity. Reserve it for situations where a deep, fundamental grasp is truly present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies a central or fundamental comprehension. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its role in highlighting essential knowledge and foundational concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "core understanding" is a noun phrase that signifies a fundamental and essential grasp of a subject. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used. Its usage spans across diverse fields like Science and News & Media, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, it’s important to reserve it for situations where a truly deep and fundamental grasp exists, differentiating it from mere superficial familiarity. Related phrases like "fundamental comprehension" and "essential knowledge" can serve as alternatives, depending on the nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental comprehension

Focuses on the act of grasping something fundamentally, similar to a core understanding.

basic grasp

Emphasizes the rudimentary level of understanding, close to having a core understanding.

essential knowledge

Highlights the critical information needed, akin to the foundation of a core understanding.

key insight

Focuses on a crucial element of understanding, representing a central point of a core understanding.

central tenet

Highlights the central belief or principle within a system of thought.

primary awareness

Stresses initial or foundational recognition, parallel to establishing a core understanding.

foundational principle

Underlines a bedrock concept upon which further understanding is built.

groundwork knowledge

Emphasizes preliminary understanding as the base for more advanced learning.

underlying concept

Signifies a concept which constitutes the foundation of understanding.

intrinsic awareness

Points to an inherent or deep-seated comprehension of a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "core understanding" to describe a fundamental grasp of a subject, as in "A "core understanding" of mathematics is essential for physics".

What is an alternative to "core understanding"?

Alternatives include "fundamental comprehension", "basic grasp", or "essential knowledge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "core understanding" or "basic understanding"?

"Core understanding" implies a deeper, more fundamental level of knowledge than "basic understanding", which suggests only a rudimentary grasp.

What's the difference between "core understanding" and "superficial understanding"?

"Core understanding" refers to a deep and fundamental comprehension, while "superficial understanding" indicates a shallow or incomplete grasp of a subject.