developed an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"developed an understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to talk about someone gaining an understanding of something. For example: After months of research, the doctor had developed an understanding of the disease.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

We have also developed an understanding of how to bridge the gap between our online and offline activities.

The Guardian

As I became better acquainted with the gallery owners and developed an understanding with them, I came to be looked on as someone serious.

The Guardian - Arts

Cameron has slowly developed an understanding of the strike zone with the Mariners, however, and steadily increasing doses of extra-base hits began accompanying his strikeouts.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our Intelligent Drive Systems these days are capable of analyzing complex traffic situations, and they have developed an understanding for what to do," he says.

The New York Times

Those convicted of the most serious offences still have to convince the Parole Board that they have developed an understanding of why they are locked up.

Independent

Supporting arguments and unsupported arguments in the literature are not distinguished or properly referenced, and you have left the impression that you have not developed an understanding of the processes involved.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The Guardian - Books

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developed an understanding" to describe a gradual process of learning and comprehension, rather than a sudden realization. For example, "Through careful study, she developed an understanding of quantum physics."

Common error

Avoid using "developed an understanding" when referring to simple facts or easily grasped concepts. This phrase is more appropriate when describing a deeper, more nuanced comprehension that requires time and effort to acquire. For instance, instead of saying "He developed an understanding of the word 'hello'," say "He learned the meaning of the word 'hello'."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developed an understanding" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of acquiring knowledge, insight, or comprehension about a specific subject or concept. Ludwig AI confirms this expression's correctness, further validating its appropriateness in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developed an understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the gradual process of gaining knowledge or insight, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatility allows it to feature in various context as proven by the variety of examples that Ludwig provides. While alternatives like ""built an understanding"" or ""gained insight"" exist, "developed an understanding" is appropriate for various types of written and spoken communication, ranging from news and media to academic writing, therefore, users should be aware of using this expression when the goal is to describe the accumulation of knowledge and not a simpler fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Built an understanding

Focuses on the gradual construction of knowledge.

Evolved an understanding

Highlights the gradual and natural development of comprehension.

Gained insight

Emphasizes the acquisition of a deeper, more intuitive understanding.

Acquired knowledge

Stresses the obtaining of factual or theoretical information.

Formed a comprehension

Highlights the process of creating a complete understanding.

Cultivated an awareness

Implies a deliberate effort to foster understanding.

Grasped the concept

Focuses on understanding a specific idea or principle.

Became knowledgeable

Highlights the state of possessing a considerable amount of information.

Understood the nuances

Emphasizes the comprehension of subtle distinctions.

Learned the ropes

Emphasizes practical understanding and skill gained through experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "developed an understanding" to describe a process of gaining knowledge or insight over time. For example, "After years of research, she "developed an understanding" of the human brain."

What are some alternatives to "developed an understanding"?

Alternatives include "built an understanding", "gained insight", or "acquired knowledge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "develop an understanding" or should it be "gain an understanding"?

Both are correct, but ""developed an understanding"" implies a gradual process of learning, while "gain an understanding" can suggest a more immediate acquisition of knowledge.

What's the difference between "developed an understanding" and "developed an appreciation"?

"Developed an understanding" implies gaining knowledge or comprehension, while "developed an appreciation" suggests growing to value or enjoy something. For example, you might develop an understanding of a complex scientific theory, but develop an appreciation for classical music.