gaps in our understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaps in our understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing areas where knowledge or comprehension is lacking or incomplete. Example: "The research highlighted several gaps in our understanding of climate change and its long-term effects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These gaps in our understanding inhibit our ability to understand the evolutionary significance of many organismal behaviors.

eLife

"There are, as you say, gaps in our understanding," Deputy Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt said.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, crucial gaps in our understanding of cattle TB and how it spreads remain.

The Guardian

But the reality is that… there exist evidential contradictions and gaps in our understanding".

Independent

Around the globe, there are huge gaps in our understanding of what is happening with children's education.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gaps in our understanding of nuclear weapons could be narrowed by nuclear testing, but will always exist.

The New York Times - Science

A recent literature review highlighted these issues, but also alerts us to gaps in our understanding where further research would help improve our understanding.

The Guardian

To represent the gaps in our understanding of animal consciousness, she leaves white spaces on the page between paragraphs of the elephant's story.

The New Yorker

Lines of ancestry are extremely difficult to work out from a series of fossils and there are still huge gaps in our understanding of the primate evolutionary story.

The Guardian

It seems safe to assume the worst, but, as for the American government's practices, there are large gaps in our understanding.

The New Yorker

Significant gaps in our understanding of conifer lignification nevertheless remain.

Advances in Botanical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "gaps in our understanding", clearly identify the specific areas where understanding is lacking to provide context and direction for further exploration.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "gaps in our understanding". While acknowledging limitations is important, ensure it doesn't undermine the credibility of existing knowledge or progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaps in our understanding" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying areas where knowledge or comprehension is incomplete. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaps in our understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote areas where knowledge is lacking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. Related phrases include "shortcomings in our understanding" and "deficiencies in our understanding", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. When employing this phrase, focus on pinpointing specific areas of limited understanding while avoiding overstating the significance of these gaps. By understanding the appropriate usage and context, you can effectively communicate the need for further exploration and research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortcomings in our understanding

Replaces "gaps" with "shortcomings", emphasizing deficiencies or flaws in comprehension.

deficiencies in our understanding

Substitutes "gaps" with "deficiencies", highlighting inadequacies in knowledge.

limitations in our knowledge

Focuses on the boundaries or constraints of what is known.

lacunae in our knowledge

Uses "lacunae", a more formal term for gaps or missing parts.

blind spots in our knowledge

Emphasizes areas where our knowledge is completely lacking, creating a figurative blind spot.

unresolved questions

Shifts the focus to questions that remain unanswered, implying a lack of understanding.

areas of incomplete knowledge

Highlights the partial or unfinished state of understanding in specific areas.

unknown aspects

Emphasizes the parts that are not yet known or understood.

uncharted territories of knowledge

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the idea of unexplored or unknown areas of understanding.

unexplored dimensions

Highlights facets or aspects of a subject that have not yet been investigated.

FAQs

What does "gaps in our understanding" mean?

The phrase "gaps in our understanding" refers to areas where knowledge or comprehension is incomplete or lacking. It highlights subjects or aspects that require further investigation or clarification.

What can I say instead of "gaps in our understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "shortcomings in our understanding", "deficiencies in our understanding", or "limitations in our knowledge" depending on the specific context.

How do I identify "gaps in our understanding" in a research paper?

Look for statements in existing literature that acknowledge limitations, unanswered questions, or areas where further research is needed. These often indicate "gaps in our understanding" that your research could address.

Why is it important to acknowledge "gaps in our understanding"?

Acknowledging "gaps in our understanding" demonstrates intellectual honesty, provides context for the limitations of current knowledge, and paves the way for future research and exploration.