exceptional understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"exceptional understanding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's level of comprehension or intelligence in a certain topic or subject. Example: Despite being only 10 years old, Maya showed an exceptional understanding of complex mathematical concepts and was able to solve problems that even her older classmates struggled with.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Her presentation and delivery styles reflect an exceptional understanding of each and every child in her care.

The Guardian

Peace said: "He brings substantial financial experience from leading a successful global business and has an exceptional understanding of the global regulatory and conduct environment".

The Guardian - Business

In 1988, to honor Lawler and in gratitude to Hopkins, she gave $1 million to endow a chair in Lawler's name, praising Lawler for her exceptional understanding and sensitivity.

Johns Hopkins University

Landscape architect Thomas Woltz from Nelson Byrd Woltz, who has a exceptional understanding of ecological issues, explained his interests in productive gardens: "When studying designed gardens and urban landscapes through the lens of civic horticulture, the word productive can take on meaning far beyond vegetables".

Huffington Post

When Louis Langrée conducts the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in his Inaugural Concert as their Music Director November 8-10 (againgain for the One City One Symphony Concert on November 14th and 16th), the Symphony will be beginning a new chapter in its proud history, and with a Music Director who brings more than just an exceptional understanding of music and an exceptional ability to conduct.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I am exceptional at understanding the stresses my acupuncture patients express to me.

HuffPost

You have an exceptional mathematical understanding.

Behavior Genetics

The conductor was Bernard Haitink, exceptional in his understanding of the sadness that lurks behind the wit and charm of Capriccio's closing pages.

The Guardian - Music

Together with the Reference Library, the Center's collections of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, rare books, and manuscripts provide an exceptional resource for understanding the story of British art.

Yale University

"The board chose the members of the selection committee consistent with the best practices of corporate governance, ensuring that the committee consisted of directors with exceptional experience and understanding of our business".

The New York Times

P. xylostella provides an exceptional system for understanding the genetic and molecular bases of how insect herbivores cope with the broad range of plant defenses and chemicals encountered in the environment (Supplementary Fig. 2).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's expertise, use "exceptional understanding" to highlight not just knowledge, but also a profound grasp of underlying principles.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptional understanding" when a simpler term like "good understanding" or "knowledge" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the level of comprehension is truly remarkable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "exceptional" modifies the noun "understanding". It serves to describe a high degree of comprehension or insight. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional understanding" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a notably high level of comprehension or skill. It's most common in news, academic, and scientific contexts, and Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While phrases like "remarkable grasp" or "profound insight" can serve as alternatives, "exceptional understanding" is best reserved for situations where the degree of comprehension truly warrants the descriptor. Avoid overuse in simpler contexts, and remember to use "of" rather than "in" when connecting it to a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding comprehension

Uses "comprehension" instead of "understanding", emphasizing the ability to grasp and interpret information. The word "outstanding" underscores the exceptional nature of the comprehension.

remarkable grasp

Replaces "understanding" with "grasp", implying a firm hold on the subject matter. The word "remarkable" amplifies the level of understanding.

thorough apprehension

Replaces "understanding" with "apprehension", indicating a complete and comprehensive grasp.

profound insight

Substitutes "understanding" with "insight", suggesting a deeper level of comprehension and intuition.

astute perception

Highlights the ability to perceive and understand subtleties. Stronger emphasis on observational skills.

brilliant discernment

Implies a high level of analytical ability and the capacity to distinguish subtle differences. More about critical thinking.

masterful command

Suggests a high level of control and expertise over a subject matter. Changes the focus from understanding to application.

acute awareness

Emphasizes a sharp and heightened sense of understanding or perception. Implies sensitivity to subtle details.

deeply knowledgeable

Shifts the emphasis to the amount of knowledge possessed. More about knowing facts than understanding relationships.

superior intellect

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general term indicating high intelligence. It may not always be appropriate depending on the specific context.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptional understanding" in a sentence?

"Exceptional understanding" is used to describe a very high level of comprehension. For example, "Her exceptional understanding of the subject allowed her to solve complex problems easily".

What's a good alternative to "exceptional understanding"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remarkable grasp", "profound insight", or "outstanding comprehension".

Is it better to say "exceptional understanding of" or "exceptional understanding in"?

"Exceptional understanding of" is generally preferred. "Exceptional understanding in" is less common but can be used when referring to a specific field or area.

What distinguishes "exceptional understanding" from simply "understanding"?

The word "exceptional" emphasizes that the level of understanding is far above average. It suggests a deep and insightful grasp of the subject, unlike simple comprehension.