ensure understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"ensure understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ensure that others comprehend or understand an idea or point that you are making. For example: "It is important to ensure understanding by providing clear examples."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The focus on simplicity of the models and human understandable language is essential to ensure understanding by all (non-engineering) stakeholders such as nurses and physicians from the start of the evolution process.

Advanced Engineering Informatics

Supervisors should counsel staff (1) to ensure understanding of attendance standards, (2) to ensure that all staff understand notification guidelines, (3) to address any attendance issues, and (4) to affirm attendance expectations.

Duke University

What techniques would you use to ensure understanding?

The New York Times

Instead, a modified communication strategy would be used to ensure understanding and uptake of evidence.

Nature

A good technical writer is lengthy so as to ensure understanding.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I would say on both ends keep checking in to ensure understanding.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

We cultivate a strong culture at UPS so ensuring understanding of the vision at all levels helps all to be successful.

Forbes

The MAVRIC-C was read and explained to children, ensuring understanding.

BMC Psychiatry

Communication between patients and physicians requires language that conveys meaning and ensures understanding.

BioMed Research International

Some informants discussed the professional interpreter's role of being accurate but also ensuring understanding in multilingual elderly healthcare.

BMC Health Services Research

American popularity, though, did not ensure mutual understanding.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating complex information, actively seek feedback to "ensure understanding". Ask targeted questions and encourage individuals to summarize key points in their own words to verify comprehension.

Common error

Avoid assuming that providing information is enough. To truly "ensure understanding", actively verify comprehension through methods like summarizing, questioning, or practical demonstrations. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that because you explained something clearly, everyone automatically understands it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ensure understanding" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to describe actions taken to guarantee comprehension. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate it across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

Academia

22%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ensure understanding" is a versatile and frequently used expression that emphasizes the importance of clarity and comprehension in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. As demonstrated by numerous examples, it appears commonly in scientific, academic, and news-related sources, highlighting its broad applicability. To effectively "ensure understanding", consider the audience, use clear language, and actively verify comprehension through feedback and questioning. While alternatives like "guarantee comprehension" or "validate understanding" exist, the original phrase remains a strong and reliable choice for conveying the need for clarity and mutual understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guarantee comprehension

Replaces "ensure" with "guarantee" and "understanding" with "comprehension", emphasizing a stronger assurance of comprehension.

confirm comprehension

Substitutes "ensure" with "confirm", focusing on verifying that comprehension has been achieved.

verify understanding

Similar to "confirm comprehension", but with a slightly different emphasis on the act of verification.

assure comprehension

Uses "assure" in place of "ensure", conveying a sense of confidence in the comprehension.

facilitate comprehension

Shifts the focus to making comprehension easier, rather than directly ensuring it.

promote understanding

Emphasizes the act of encouraging or fostering understanding.

foster understanding

Similar to "promote understanding", but with a slightly more nurturing connotation.

secure understanding

Indicates that measures are being taken to protect or maintain understanding.

establish understanding

Focuses on creating a foundation of understanding.

validate understanding

Emphasizes confirming the accuracy or correctness of understanding.

FAQs

How can I "ensure understanding" in a diverse audience?

Use clear, concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms. Incorporate visuals, provide real-world examples, and allow for questions to "verify understanding".

What strategies help "ensure understanding" during a presentation?

Break down complex topics into smaller, manageable segments. Regularly check for comprehension by asking questions or requesting summaries. Use visual aids and provide opportunities for clarification to "facilitate comprehension".

Which is more appropriate: "ensure understanding" or "guarantee understanding"?

"Ensure understanding" and "guarantee comprehension" are often interchangeable. "Ensure" suggests taking steps to promote understanding, while "guarantee" implies a stronger, more certain outcome. The best choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

What are some alternatives to "ensure understanding" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "secure understanding", "validate understanding", or "confirm comprehension". These options often convey a more professional and precise tone.