develop an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop an understanding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used when discussing the idea of gaining knowledge or insight. For example, "We need to develop an understanding of the customer's needs in order to create an effective marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did you develop an understanding of how that specific sector operates?

The Guardian

"We need to develop an understanding of what we have begun to call culturenomics.

The Guardian - Books

miles with intent to develop an understanding of it sufficient for a doctoral thesis.

The New Yorker

And, you'll develop an understanding of the ethical considerations associated with your field of study.

The Guardian

He even seemed to develop an understanding of absence, something akin to the concept of zero.

The New Yorker

As if anticipating Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Kurtz says that humanists develop an understanding of "good practice" and "right conduct".

The New York Times - Arts

When ex-hitters become managers, some, like Lou Piniella of Seattle, never develop an understanding for pitchers.

The New York Times - Magazine

The archbishop of Canterbury asked worshippers to develop an understanding of "mutual obligation" following a turbulent 2011.

The Guardian

She is working with academics and professional experts to develop an understanding of how impact can be evaluated and defined.

The Guardian

She especially loved working with the Whitney Museum, travelling to schools in the NYC area helping young students develop an understanding and appreciation of fine art.

The New York Times

An individual who has risen to the top of a terrorist network after a long period of time will develop an understanding of what works.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop an understanding", specify the subject matter to which the understanding pertains. For example, "develop an understanding of quantum physics" is more informative than simply "develop an understanding".

Common error

Avoid using "develop an understanding" without context. It's important to specify what needs to be understood to make your writing clear and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop an understanding" functions as a verb phrase where the verb "develop" takes the noun "understanding" as its object. According to Ludwig AI, it is employed to describe the process of acquiring knowledge or insight about a particular subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "develop an understanding" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for expressing the acquisition of knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts. To maximize clarity and impact, specifying the subject of understanding is recommended. While alternatives like "gain insight" exist, "develop an understanding" remains a solid choice. It's important to be aware that overgeneralization should be avoided. The analysis reveals high source quality and frequent use in science, news, and business contexts. By avoiding overgeneralization and specifying the subject, the effectiveness of your writing can be enhanced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grasp the concept

Emphasizes the act of mentally seizing or understanding a particular idea.

gain insight

Focuses on achieving a deeper, more intuitive comprehension.

acquire knowledge

Emphasizes the accumulation of factual information.

foster comprehension

Highlights the process of cultivating understanding, often in others.

cultivate awareness

Stresses the gradual development of being conscious or informed about something.

get the hang of

An informal way of saying you're starting to understand something.

form an opinion

Suggests developing a judgment or view, which may or may not be based on deep understanding.

become conversant with

Emphasizes becoming familiar and knowledgeable about a subject.

build expertise

Concentrates on developing a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.

attain proficiency

Highlights achieving competence or skill through training or practice.

FAQs

How can I use "develop an understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "develop an understanding" to describe the process of gaining knowledge or insight about a particular topic. For example, "Students need to "develop an understanding" of basic scientific principles."

What are some alternatives to "develop an understanding"?

Alternatives include "gain insight", "acquire knowledge", or "foster comprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "develop an understanding" or "gain an understanding"?

Both "develop an understanding" and "gain an understanding" are correct and often interchangeable. "Develop" emphasizes the process, while "gain" emphasizes the result. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "develop an understanding" and "develop an awareness"?

"Develop an understanding" implies a deeper, more comprehensive knowledge, while "develop an awareness" suggests becoming conscious or informed about something, often without necessarily grasping all the details.