get a common understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a common understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for clarity or agreement among individuals or groups regarding a particular topic or issue. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, it's essential that we get a common understanding of the goals and objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Before that, and in order to get a common understanding of how the variables were defined, an initial coding of another 10 randomly selected statements was performed and, when necessary, differences in opinions were discussed and resolved.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I guess to some extent I'm used to academic controversies, and however vicious those get, people have a common understanding of where you draw the line about disputing a theory or an idea.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Get a common egg.

WikiHow

We don't have a common understanding of the current state.

Forbes

Well, for starters, they have a common understanding of the goal of the game.

Forbes

Let us begin with a common understanding; let's start with what is not in dispute.

Huffington Post

The world's wealthy nations must come to a common understanding of the causes of this crisis and a common vision of the future role of financial markets.

The New York Times

Everyone did eventually come to a common understanding, Oscar Criner, the foreman, said in a telephone interview yesterday.

The New York Times

Storyboards allow stakeholders who are less involved in the design process to get up to speed by providing a common understanding of the domain and the initial software design.

Effective Prototyping for Software Makers

But most good decisions get made by people coming to a common understanding of what's the best way to achieve the objective.

Forbes

"There's a common understanding that we need to help Merkel get something that looks like a victory," said a senior European Union official, who, like other officials interviewed, was not authorized to comment by name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In collaborative settings, use "get a common understanding" to encourage open communication and clarify any ambiguities early on.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone already possesses a "common understanding". Always explicitly confirm that all parties are aligned to prevent misunderstandings and wasted effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a common understanding" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of achieving a shared comprehension. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it emphasizes the importance of clarity and agreement. Examples show usage in various contexts, from project management to international relations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get a common understanding" is a versatile and widely used expression indicating the process of achieving shared comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While alternatives exist for more formal situations, the phrase itself is appropriate for most professional and general communications. Ensuring a shared understanding is crucial for effective collaboration and minimizing misunderstandings, making it a key element in successful projects and discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find a common understanding

Replaces "get" with "find", emphasizing the discovery of shared understanding.

obtain a common understanding

Substitutes "get" with "obtain", suggesting a more deliberate effort to achieve understanding.

achieve a common understanding

Replaces "get" with "achieve", highlighting the successful attainment of shared understanding.

develop a common understanding

Emphasizes the process of building a shared understanding over time.

reach a common understanding

Focuses on arriving at a shared understanding as a destination or conclusion.

establish a common understanding

Highlights the act of creating or setting up a shared understanding as a foundation.

foster a common understanding

Indicates the promotion and encouragement of a shared understanding.

cultivate a common understanding

Suggests a more nurtured and gradual development of shared understanding.

arrive at a mutual agreement

Shifts the focus to agreement rather than just understanding.

build consensus

Implies a broader agreement, potentially involving compromise and negotiation.

FAQs

What does "get a common understanding" mean?

The phrase "get a common understanding" means to achieve a shared and clear comprehension of a particular topic, issue, or goal among a group of people.

How can I "get a common understanding" in a team project?

To "get a common understanding" in a team, encourage open communication, clearly define goals, actively listen to team members' perspectives, and summarize key points to confirm alignment. Consider alternatives like "reach a consensus" or "establish a shared vision".

What are some alternatives to "get a common understanding"?

You can use alternatives such as "reach a mutual agreement", "develop a shared perspective", or "establish a shared understanding" depending on the context.

Is "get a common understanding" formal or informal?

"Get a common understanding" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, in highly formal contexts, you might opt for alternatives like "achieve a shared comprehension" or "establish a mutual understanding".