existing understandings of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existing understandings of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing current knowledge or perceptions about a particular topic or concept. Example: "The research aims to challenge existing understandings of climate change and its impact on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"New incidents were interpreted in terms of the existing understandings of the family dynamics," said Haringey's review.

The Economist

This article provides an overview of existing understandings of power in the research on biofuels, including positive perceptions that often lead to more optimistic evaluations of biofuels.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The 1990s represented a "turning point for immigration becoming linked into the welfare reform discourse," which combined with existing understandings of the immigrant-as-criminal.

Vice

We propose that existing understandings of triggers to the consultation might be extended to consider how patients and their doctors respond to a history of intermittent rather than persistent symptoms.

BMJ Open

There is a tension inherent in the application of existing understandings of recovery to the personality disorders context in the absence of a well-developed phenomenological literature articulating individual lived experiences of personality disorders.

BMC Psychiatry

There is some conceptual equivalence in existing understandings of mental health recovery and Therapeutic Community approaches; for example, 'social connectedness' [ 3] overlaps to some extent with the idea of 'community as doctor' [ 19].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

The Iraqi declaration was consistent with our existing understanding of Iraq's pre-1991 nuclear program; however, it did not provide any new information relevant to certain questions that have been outstanding since 1998 -- in particular regarding Iraq's progress prior to 1991 related to weapons design and centrifuge development.

The New York Times

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

International Journal of Fatigue

Most importantly however, the process of inquiry learning often requires a conceptual change in – and not simply an addition to – their existing understanding of everyday phenomena (Carey 2000).

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "existing understandings of", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being understood and by whom. For example, specify if it refers to scientific consensus, public opinion, or a particular group's perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "existing understandings of" when there is significant debate or disagreement about a topic. Instead, acknowledge the diverse perspectives and the ongoing evolution of knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existing understandings of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, indicating the current or established knowledge, interpretations, or beliefs regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI shows its use in diverse contexts, from science to news.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existing understandings of" is a useful tool for referencing current knowledge or beliefs about a topic. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and most commonly used in scientific and news contexts. When using the phrase, remember to be specific about whose understandings you're referring to and avoid assuming universal agreement. Alternative phrases include "current perceptions of" and "prevailing interpretations of". This phrase helps set the stage for further discussion, analysis, or challenges to established ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current perceptions of

Replaces "understandings" with "perceptions", focusing on prevailing viewpoints.

present-day comprehension of

Emphasizes that the comprehension is referring to the current period.

prevailing interpretations of

Substitutes "understandings" with "interpretations", highlighting common explanations.

common conceptions of

Replaces "understandings" with "conceptions", focusing on shared mental images or ideas.

accepted knowledge of

Replaces "understandings" with "knowledge", emphasizing what is generally considered true.

contemporary awareness of

Highlights current consciousness or knowledge of something.

established views on

Shifts the focus to "views" that are well-established or widely held.

mainstream thinking on

Highlights ideas that are part of the dominant or most widely accepted perspective.

conventional wisdom regarding

Emphasizes traditional beliefs or assumptions about a topic.

dominant narratives surrounding

Focuses on the prevailing stories or accounts that shape comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "existing understandings of" in a sentence?

Use "existing understandings of" to refer to current knowledge or common interpretations of a subject. For example, "This research challenges "existing understandings of" the role of social media in political campaigns".

What are some alternatives to using "existing understandings of"?

You can use phrases like "current perceptions of", "prevailing interpretations of", or "accepted knowledge of" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "existing understandings of" in formal writing?

Yes, "existing understandings of" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts where you need to refer to established knowledge or viewpoints.

What's the difference between "existing understandings of" and "common misconceptions about"?

"Existing understandings of" refers to generally accepted knowledge, while "common misconceptions about" highlights widespread but inaccurate beliefs. They have opposite meanings and should be used carefully to reflect the actual state of knowledge.