demonstrate understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demonstrate understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability to show comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject or concept. Example: "In order to pass the course, students must demonstrate understanding of the key theories discussed in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Compare these to any quotations or statements that demonstrate understanding of the separatist forces.

The New York Times

It has been encouraging to hear of projects being implemented that not only demonstrate understanding of the link between the issues but also the recognition that we can no longer tackle resource challenges in silos.

The Guardian

They say the dog was able to demonstrate understanding of nouns and verbs which represents a giant leap in her "understanding of language and opens the door for learning further language skills".

Independent

Using these as a model, students could create similar lists of five, ten or twenty objects online to demonstrate understanding of a book, a place, an historical figure or concept.

The New York Times

3. Do students demonstrate understanding of variation and transfer of that understanding through delayed assessment questions?

International Journal of STEM Education

Finally, students are asked to demonstrate understanding of how to develop and explore pedagogical choices and practices.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

7. Conduct short and more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

The New York Times

7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

The New York Times

Writing 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

The New York Times

7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on specific questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

The New York Times

(b) Individual PowerPoint presentation that demonstrates understanding of morphological comparisons across the animal phyla    .

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "demonstrate understanding of", clearly specify what concept or subject you are showing comprehension of. For example, "demonstrate understanding of the scientific method" is more effective than simply "demonstrate understanding."

Common error

Avoid using "demonstrate understanding of" without a clear object. Ensure it's not left ambiguous by specifying the subject or concept being understood. Otherwise, your writing will lack clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrate understanding of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of showing comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to assess learning or competence, such as students showing their grasp of concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demonstrate understanding of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the act of showing comprehension or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its widespread use across various domains, including news, science, and business, attests to its versatility. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about what subject or concept understanding is being demonstrated. Alternatives include "exhibit comprehension of" and "show knowledge of", each carrying slightly different nuances. This phrase generally maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibit comprehension of

Replaces "demonstrate" with "exhibit" and "understanding" with "comprehension", focusing on showing understanding.

show knowledge of

Emphasizes the act of displaying knowledge rather than the process of understanding.

prove awareness of

Focuses on showing that one is aware of something, implying understanding.

reveal insight into

Highlights the display of deep understanding or insight.

grasp the meaning of

Shifts the focus to comprehending the meaning, implying understanding.

have a handle on

Uses a more informal expression to indicate a good understanding.

be conversant with

Suggests familiarity and understanding through conversation or discussion.

appreciate the nuances of

Focuses on understanding the finer details and subtleties.

decipher the intricacies of

Emphasizes the ability to understand complex or intricate details.

internalize the principles of

Suggests a deep and thorough understanding where the principles are fully integrated.

FAQs

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

Use "demonstrate understanding of" to show comprehension or knowledge about a specific topic. For example, "Students must "demonstrate understanding of" the core concepts to pass the exam".

What are some alternatives to "demonstrate understanding of"?

Alternatives include "exhibit comprehension of", "show knowledge of", or "prove awareness of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "demonstrate understanding of" or "demonstrate a clear understanding of"?

While both are grammatically correct, "demonstrate understanding of" is often more concise and direct. Adding "a clear" can emphasize the level of understanding but isn't always necessary.

How does "demonstrate understanding of" differ from "have knowledge of"?

"Have knowledge of" implies possessing information, whereas "demonstrate understanding of" suggests you can actively apply or explain that knowledge. Demonstrating implies a deeper level of comprehension than simply possessing facts.