gain a better understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain a better understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that someone has studied a topic to a greater depth or from a different perspective. For example, "The professor suggested that I gain a better understanding of the cultural implications of immigration policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Needs to gain a better understanding of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Cells obtained in this way could help us gain a better understanding of such diseases.

The Guardian

What can people do to gain a better understanding of insects?

The New Yorker

Lawyers from outside firms also often gain a better understanding of a company's culture and operations.

The New York Times

On a recent trip through the Middle East, I attempted to gain a better understanding of the crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fish have enabled scientists to gain a better understanding of gene therapy, cellular disease and molecular biology.

The Guardian

In this way they could develop their listening skills and gain a better understanding of how language works.

The Guardian

He also promised to visit G.M.'s plants, dealers and workers to gain a better understanding of the company.

The New York Times

The second aim is to help line managers gain a better understanding of their own and their staff's mental health.

The Guardian

Students are taught to be better writers and gain a better understanding of citing sources, while avoiding careless note-taking.

The New York Times

And airport and security officials say they gain a better understanding of the difficulties experienced by autistic travelers.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain a better understanding of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific knowledge or skill is being enhanced. For example, "Attending the workshop will help you gain a better understanding of project management principles".

Common error

Avoid using "gain a better understanding of" without specifying the subject matter. For example, instead of saying "I want to gain a better understanding", specify "I want to gain a better understanding of astrophysics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain a better understanding of" functions as a purpose connector, indicating an intention or goal to improve one's knowledge or comprehension of a specific subject. As shown in Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of enhancing one's knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain a better understanding of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses the desire to enhance one's comprehension of a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's versatile and appears in various contexts, from formal academic papers and news reports to more informal discussions. Related phrases include "develop a greater awareness of" and "acquire a more comprehensive grasp of", which offer similar meanings. When using the phrase, ensure you specify the subject matter to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain a deeper insight into

Focuses on achieving a more profound understanding.

develop a greater awareness of

Emphasizes the development of consciousness and knowledge.

acquire a more comprehensive grasp of

Highlights obtaining a complete and thorough understanding.

improve comprehension of

Directly focuses on enhancing understanding.

foster a clearer perception of

Suggests nurturing a more distinct and accurate view.

cultivate a richer appreciation for

Implies developing a more profound and nuanced understanding, often with an emotional component.

build a solid foundation of knowledge about

Focuses on establishing a secure base of understanding.

achieve a nuanced interpretation of

Emphasizes attaining a subtle and detailed understanding.

obtain a working knowledge of

Suggests acquiring practical familiarity and competence.

get up to speed on

Implies quickly gaining the necessary knowledge to be current.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "gain a better understanding of"?

You can use alternatives like "develop a greater awareness of", "acquire a more comprehensive grasp of", or "improve comprehension of" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "gain a better understanding of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the process of learning or improving your knowledge about something. For instance, "Reading this book will help you gain a better understanding of quantum physics."

What is the difference between "gain a better understanding of" and "gain a good understanding of"?

"Gain a better understanding of" implies that you already have some knowledge but want to improve it. "Gain a good understanding of" suggests you are starting from scratch or have very little prior knowledge.

Is it appropriate to use "gain a better understanding of" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate. The phrase is widely accepted and used in formal writing, as it clearly and professionally conveys the idea of enhancing one's knowledge or comprehension. As Ludwig AI stated, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.