foster mutual understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

'foster mutual understanding' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it any time you want to emphasize the importance of building an understanding between different groups or people. For example: "Through conversations with members of different cultures, we can foster mutual understanding and build a more unified community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He assured Xi News Corp will "work to foster mutual understanding and boost cooperation between the two nations".

The Guardian

The Parties shall seek to foster mutual understanding and tolerance and will, accordingly, abstain from hostile propaganda against each other.

Yale University

Boykoff advocates a more participatory and democratic form of media coverage, in which journalists interact with scientists, the public, and policy actors to foster mutual understanding across the various communities.

The New York Times

Can we come to terms with our internalized others in ways that foster mutual understanding and counteract the tendency to scapegoat, project, victimize, and indulge in prejudicial and narcissistic impulses?

Cornell University

The Religions and the Practice of Peace initiative seeks to stimulate cross-disciplinary conversation and scholarship to explore how individuals and communities worldwide have drawn on religious and spiritual resources to foster mutual understanding and peace.

Harvard University

What the Dalai Lama's visit has revealed is that the US needs to set a coherent and consistent approach to its relationship with China and continue to foster mutual understanding and co-operation especially when it comes to difficult bilateral issues.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The paper presents case studies in different domains where collaboration leverages shared representations, and discusses the main reasons why these representations succeeded in fostering mutual understanding.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

"The Gershwin Prize was created to honor an artist whose creative output transcends distinctions between musical styles and idioms, bringing diverse listeners together and fostering mutual understanding and appreciation," the Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, said in a statement.

The New York Times

Conscious of our own levels of privilege, we seek with kindness and compassion to engage in open and active dialogue that broadens our perspectives, increases our knowledge and awareness, and fosters mutual understanding and empowerment.

Harvard University

If "interdisciplinary" connotes anything, it should be improved communication across disciplines that fosters mutual understanding.

Johns Hopkins University

She serves on the supervisory board of the company and on the board of the Bertelsmann Foundation, which owns 81% of the company and focuses on education and fostering mutual understanding and dialogue between different nations and cultures.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foster mutual understanding" when you want to emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment for understanding between individuals or groups, especially in situations involving potential conflict or misunderstanding.

Common error

While "foster mutual understanding" is generally appropriate, avoid overusing it, especially in formal writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "cultivate", "promote", or "encourage" to keep your writing engaging and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster mutual understanding" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with a noun as an object. It describes the action of promoting or encouraging shared understanding between individuals or groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foster mutual understanding" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the action of promoting shared understanding. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts. While not exceedingly common, its usage is diverse, spanning news, academic, and scientific domains. The phrase carries a neutral to professional register and serves the communicative purpose of encouraging empathy and facilitating cooperation. Related phrases include "cultivate mutual understanding" and "promote mutual understanding". Remember to use it judiciously and vary your language to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate mutual understanding

Replaces "foster" with "cultivate", implying a more gradual and nurturing process.

promote mutual understanding

Uses "promote" instead of "foster", suggesting a more active and public effort.

encourage mutual understanding

Employs "encourage", indicating an effort to inspire or support the development of understanding.

develop mutual understanding

Focuses on the gradual building and growth of understanding.

build bridges of understanding

Uses a metaphorical expression, emphasizing connection and overcoming differences.

create a shared understanding

Highlights the collaborative and collective nature of understanding.

establish common ground

Focuses on finding areas of agreement and shared interest.

improve communication and empathy

Expands on the idea by explicitly mentioning communication and empathy as key components.

nurture cross-cultural dialogue

Specifically addresses understanding across different cultures, emphasizing dialogue.

facilitate collaborative relationships

Shifts the focus to the outcome of understanding: improved relationships and collaboration.

FAQs

How can I use "foster mutual understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "foster mutual understanding" to describe actions or initiatives that aim to build understanding between people or groups. For example: "Educational programs can "promote mutual understanding" between different cultures".

What are some alternatives to "foster mutual understanding"?

Some alternatives include "cultivate mutual understanding", "encourage mutual understanding", or "build bridges of understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "foster mutual understanding" formal or informal?

"Foster mutual understanding" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and purpose. In very formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym, while in informal settings, it remains perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "foster mutual understanding" and "create mutual understanding"?

"Foster mutual understanding" implies creating an environment that allows understanding to grow, whereas "create mutual understanding" suggests a more direct and active effort to build that understanding.