existing understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"existing understanding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an already established concept or idea that is understood or accepted by people. For example, "The existing understanding of the law has been challenged by this new evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Any change in the existing understanding would require a three-quarters vote among the 30 major league clubs.

The New York Times - Sports

He said Nicklinson accepted that "what he is seeking to do is to change the existing understanding of the common law".

The Guardian

This enhanced stress sensitivity is consistent with existing understanding of early PD phenotypes and represents a potential therapeutic target.

Stanford University

The results of the program also enhanced the existing understanding of fatigue cracking in aluminium alloy 7050-T7451.

International Journal of Fatigue

When Lucy was discovered, in 1974, she threw out existing understanding of evolution — for those that believe in it, as well as those that don't.

Independent

Our findings extend existing understanding and underscore the importance of the non-cognitive determinants of behaviour, namely emotions and habits.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

While their science teacher's metaphor is useful for explaining the concept to the audience, the only way that the kids themselves actually understand that place is by attaching it to their pre-existing understanding of the Vale of Shadows, an analogue for the actual Dungeons & Dragons Plane of Shadow.

Vice

"Consumer accounts require a different approach and the law that governs consumer credit is very specific, so hiring staff with a pre-existing understanding of the rules and regulations can be a boon.

The Guardian

One of the more consistent findings within NPF research is that whether or not a story is congruent (whether or not it fits with an individual's pre-existing understanding of the world) matters in terms of a story's persuasiveness.

Nature

However, this approach runs the risk of scenarios being developed that are flawed by policy interest or futurists' pre-existing understanding of a topic.

European Journal of Futures Research

Having a critical-empirical approach means that what a given progressive individual or group believes is highly mutable, depending on the latest research -- or at least, the latest information available to them, as it fits into their pre-existing understanding of the world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "existing understanding" when referring to a generally accepted concept or idea within a specific field or context. It's useful for setting a baseline before introducing new information or challenging established norms.

Common error

Avoid using "existing understanding" when there is significant debate or disagreement about a particular concept. Instead, acknowledge differing perspectives or contested interpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing understanding" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a collection of accepted knowledge or beliefs about a specific topic. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

Academia

24%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing understanding" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to denote the current, accepted knowledge or beliefs about a subject. Its primary function is to establish a common ground before introducing new information or arguments, frequently appearing in scientific, academic, and news contexts. Alternatives like "current knowledge" or "prevailing wisdom" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning intended. When using "existing understanding", it's crucial to ensure it accurately reflects the consensus view, acknowledging any significant debates or disagreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current knowledge

Focuses on the knowledge that is presently available.

prevailing wisdom

Emphasizes the accepted or popular belief at a given time.

established view

Highlights the view that has been formally accepted or recognized.

conventional wisdom

Refers to the commonly accepted beliefs or ideas.

accepted knowledge

Focuses on knowledge that is generally agreed upon.

standard interpretation

Highlights the typical way something is understood.

general consensus

Emphasizes the agreement among a group of people.

common perception

Focuses on how something is generally seen or understood.

received doctrine

Emphasizes a set of beliefs that have been handed down or taught.

mainstream thought

Refers to the dominant or most widely accepted ideas.

FAQs

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

You can use "existing understanding" to refer to knowledge that is generally accepted within a specific field. For example, "This research challenges the "conventional wisdom" in climate science."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "current knowledge", "prevailing wisdom", or "established view".

Is it appropriate to use "existing understanding" in formal writing?

Yes, "existing understanding" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, and professional contexts where it's important to establish a foundation of known information.

What is the difference between "existing understanding" and "common knowledge"?

"Existing understanding" typically refers to knowledge accepted within a specific field or group, while "common knowledge" refers to facts that are widely known by the general public.