expand understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expand understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when referring to the process of learning more about a certain topic or subject. For example, "This course will help to expand our understanding of mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

As nanoparticle (NP -mediated drug delivery research coNP -mediatedxpandrugndeliverying paresearch that govern NP interacontinuesto thexpandogical environment becomes paramounderstanding

Journal of Controlled Release

Like Li, he employs mouse models to expand understanding of our own bodies.

The Guardian

Ms. Monsky's activities generated more than $14 million for research and helped expand understanding of the disease.

The New York Times

Blick's ultimate goal was to pique curiosity, start debate and expand understanding, and your discussions suggest it was a job well done.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And this is how a curriculum based around the acquisition of skills can expand understanding, open new questions and strengthen minds.

The New York Times

Dr. Ger Koole, a mathematics professor at the Free University in Amsterdam who is involved with the Dutch project, hopes the findings will help expand understanding of applied mathematics.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Alcohol consumption is rising in developing countries and, as efforts to manage malaria are expanded, understanding the links between malaria and alcohol consumption becomes crucial.

Plosone

Consideration of those more complex social meanings expands understanding of patient-nurse interaction and thus is very relevant in healthcare that is transforming.

BMC Nursing

He recalled being swept away by Kerouac's jazz-infused prose, "and how sex and drugs were used as a way of expanding understanding".

The New York Times - Arts

A greatly expanded understanding of the biology of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) has emerged since the early 1990s.

Kidney International

Our expanded understanding of disease development and progression has made it possible to describe diseases in molecular terms.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expand understanding" when you want to emphasize the process of broadening or deepening comprehension of a specific topic or concept. It works well in academic, scientific, and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "expand understanding" in overly informal or casual conversations, as it may sound too formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "learn more" or "get a better idea" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expand understanding" functions as a verb phrase, where "expand" acts as the verb and "understanding" as its direct object. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction indicates an action aimed at increasing knowledge or comprehension. Many examples demonstrate this in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expand understanding" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the process of broadening or deepening one's comprehension of a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to denote an action aimed at increasing knowledge. Analysis of example sentences reveals that it is frequently used in scientific, news, and media contexts, signifying its relevance in formal and informed discussions. While generally versatile, it is best suited for situations where a structured or educational tone is appropriate. Alternatives such as "deepen knowledge" or "enhance comprehension" may be more suitable in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhance comprehension

Highlights improving the ability to grasp and interpret information effectively.

gain further insight

Highlights the process of achieving deeper knowledge and understanding.

deepen your knowledge

Focuses on gaining a more profound and thorough understanding of a specific subject.

advance insight

Emphasizes the progress and development of a deeper level of understanding.

improve perception

Focuses on improving or refining one's ability to notice or understand something.

broaden your horizons

Emphasizes the expansion of one's knowledge or experience, often in a more general sense.

develop a greater awareness

Stresses the gradual growth of consciousness and understanding about something.

foster understanding

Suggests actively promoting and nurturing the development of understanding.

enrich awareness

Emphasizes the process of adding depth and detail to one's understanding.

cultivate perception

Highlights the careful development and refinement of one's ability to perceive and understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "expand understanding" to describe the process of gaining more knowledge about something. For example, "This course is designed to "expand understanding" of quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "expand understanding"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "deepen knowledge", "enhance comprehension", or "broaden horizons".

Is it better to say "expand understanding" or "deepen understanding"?

"Expand understanding" generally refers to broadening the scope of knowledge, while "deepen understanding" suggests gaining more profound insight into a specific area. The choice depends on whether you're increasing breadth or depth of knowledge.

What does it mean to "expand understanding" in research?

In a research context, to "expand understanding" means to contribute new knowledge or insights that broaden the current comprehension of a particular subject. This might involve exploring new angles, conducting experiments, or synthesizing existing information in novel ways.