emphasize understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emphasize understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of comprehension in a particular context, such as education, communication, or problem-solving. Example: "In our training sessions, we aim to emphasize understanding rather than rote memorization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The new math program, Everyday Mathematics, would emphasize understanding concepts rather than mastery of basic operations, and a "balanced literacy" approach to reading and writing would focus more on children working among themselves than on direct instruction.

The New York Times

Recently, Quality by Design (QbD) initiatives have been implemented that emphasize understanding the relationship between quality attributes of the product and their impact on safety and efficacy.

Journal of Chromatography A

Modern risk assessment methodologies and regulations applied to large interconnected technological systems such as power grids emphasize understanding response to external conditions, and the measurement of the inputs (NERC 2013).

Earth, Planets and Space

Future studies will emphasize understanding at a molecular level of the complex interactions between genetic predisposing factors and the processes underlying radiation-associated carcinogenesis.

Cancer Management and Research

The NIEHS research portfolio will emphasize understanding of molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and directly link environmental exposures with common diseases.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Further, teaching future practitioners about advocacy may require attention to critical approaches that emphasize understanding of the influence of the sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts on practice [ 58, 99].

Disability and Rehabilitation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Some geologists point to a 1992 report by the National Research Council, the research arm of the National Academy of Sciences, that emphasizes understanding underlying natural conditions and the importance of monitoring.

The New York Times - Science

Environmental criminology emphasizes understanding the "opportunity structure" or "process" when addressing the crime incident, itself.

Crime Science

Recent work in cognitive neuroscience emphasizes understanding cognitive processes in terms of interactions between distributed cortical networks.

NeuroImage

(b) As Quentin Skinner has recently emphasized, understanding the linguistic meaning of an utterance or text is only a necessary, not a sufficient, condition for understanding it tout court — one needs, in addition, to establish the author's illocutionary intentions.

SEP

We've emphasized understanding the T-cell response to TB infection and how the bacterium inhibits or misdirects  it.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "emphasize understanding", ensure the context clearly defines what needs to be understood. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on theoretical "understanding" without connecting it to real-world applications or problem-solving. Make sure to illustrate how understanding translates to action or results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emphasize understanding" functions as a directive, urging the prioritization of comprehension over other aspects such as memorization or superficial knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "emphasize understanding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that underscores the importance of comprehension over rote learning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, highlighting its relevance in discussions about education, research, and policy. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define what needs to be understood and connect it to practical applications. Alternatives such as "stress comprehension" and "highlight understanding" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Overall, "emphasize understanding" is a valuable phrase for promoting deeper engagement with knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stress comprehension

Replaces "understanding" with a synonym, maintaining the focus on grasping concepts.

highlight comprehension

Uses a different verb to convey the act of making understanding more prominent.

underscore understanding

Emphasizes the significance of understanding by drawing attention to it.

prioritize understanding

Shifts the focus to making understanding the most important element.

focus on understanding

Directs attention specifically towards achieving comprehension.

value understanding

Highlights the worth and importance placed on understanding.

promote understanding

Focuses on encouraging and fostering comprehension.

accentuate understanding

Similar to highlight, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on bringing understanding to the forefront.

reinforce understanding

Focuses on strengthening and solidifying comprehension.

cultivate understanding

Suggests a more gradual and nurturing approach to developing comprehension.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "emphasize understanding" in a sentence?

Use "emphasize understanding" when you want to highlight the importance of comprehension over rote memorization or superficial knowledge. For example, "The curriculum should "emphasize understanding" of core concepts rather than simply memorizing formulas".

What are some alternatives to "emphasize understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "stress comprehension", "highlight understanding", or "prioritize understanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "emphasize understanding" or "emphasize memorization"?

The choice depends on the context. While rote memorization has its place, "emphasizing understanding" generally leads to deeper learning and better retention, enabling application of knowledge in novel situations. It is typically more effective in the long run.

How does "emphasize understanding" differ from "promote learning"?

"Promote learning" is a broader term that encompasses various methods and goals of education. "Emphasize understanding" specifically highlights the importance of comprehension as a key aspect of the learning process.