functional understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functional understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a practical or applicable level of knowledge about a subject, often in contexts like education, training, or skill development. Example: "To succeed in this role, you need a functional understanding of the software we use daily."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the interpretation and functional understanding of these variants lag far behind.

Nature

Outcome 3: Have functional understanding of the major animal physiological systems.

Cornell University

The research concluded that the response suggested the horses had a functional understanding of the angry faces they were seeing.

Independent

What the medical community needs is better class prediction based upon a functional understanding of the individual genomic mechanisms involved.

The New York Times

Altogether, our work shed light on important structural features of the HCV fusion mechanism and contributes to advance our functional understanding of this process.

Princeton University

These tests verified the functionality of all instructions and addressing modes, and therefore comform completely to the developers' functional understanding of the 6502.

Cornell University

(Without hand-holding, Yoon ensures that even foreigners without a functional understanding of late-20th-century Korean history can keep up). The South's National Intelligence Service (NIS), represented primarily in Park's orbit by Choi, had other plans.

The Guardian - Film

Additionally, every line in Griffiths you should understand since he chooses judiciously what the minimal set of topics to give the student a functional understanding of quantum mechanics.

Forbes

A finding that less than 10% of those surveyed possess a functional understanding of natural selection is not atypical.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Early results from this and similar projects are encouraging in that some level of functional understanding can be deduced from experimentally solved structures.

Duke University

If you want to successfully live -- let alone do business -- in a new country, you need to embrace the culture and gain at least a functional understanding of the language.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, specify what area demands "functional understanding". For example, "functional understanding of quantum mechanics" is better than just "functional understanding".

Common error

Avoid using "functional understanding" when you mean theoretical knowledge. "Functional understanding" implies the ability to apply knowledge, not just recite facts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functional understanding" serves as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, describing the type of understanding one possesses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable. It emphasizes a practical, applicable grasp of a subject, as demonstrated in examples like "functional understanding of the major animal physiological systems."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "functional understanding" denotes a practical, applicable grasp of a subject, essential for effectively using knowledge in various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across diverse fields like science, media, and academia. While semantically similar phrases like "working knowledge" and "operational understanding" exist, "functional understanding" emphasizes application rather than mere theoretical knowledge. It's crucial to specify the subject area to which the "functional understanding" applies for clarity. Avoid confusing it with expertise, as expertise suggests a higher level of mastery. Overall, mastering the use of "functional understanding" in your writing ensures precision and demonstrates your command of practical knowledge application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operational understanding

Emphasizes the ability to apply the understanding in an operational context.

working knowledge

Implies a level of understanding sufficient for performing tasks.

effective comprehension

Stresses the efficiency and usefulness of the understanding.

practical knowledge

Focuses more on the applicability of the knowledge rather than the understanding itself.

sound understanding

Emphasizes the reliability and validity of the understanding.

solid comprehension

Highlights the robustness and depth of the understanding.

competent knowledge

Focuses on having the required knowledge to perform effectively.

thorough grasp

Suggests a comprehensive and complete understanding.

proficient understanding

Indicates a high level of skill in understanding.

hands-on knowledge

Emphasizes practical experience and direct involvement.

FAQs

How can I improve my "functional understanding" of a topic?

Focus on applying the knowledge through practical exercises, real-world examples, and hands-on experience. Don't just memorize facts; strive to use them effectively.

What's the difference between "functional understanding" and "theoretical knowledge"?

"Functional understanding" implies you can apply knowledge, while theoretical knowledge means you know the concepts without necessarily being able to use them. For instance, you might have theoretical knowledge of coding, but a "working knowledge" means you can actually write code.

Is "functional understanding" the same as "expertise"?

No, "functional understanding" indicates a solid, practical grasp, whereas "expertise" suggests advanced skill and mastery in a particular field. You can have a "functional understanding" without being an expert.

What are some situations where "functional understanding" is crucial?

"Functional understanding" is crucial in fields like engineering, medicine, and software development, where applying knowledge is essential. It's also important in everyday situations, such as understanding how appliances work.