getting to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of gradually comprehending or becoming familiar with something. Example: "Through our discussions, I am getting to understand the complexities of the issue more clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I'd often spend hours roaming around, getting to understand the space.

Independent

Getting to understand the real Roz was a painful, humbling experience for Betsy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We all have different talents and aptitudes and different ways of getting to understand things.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this whole thing is all about getting to understand players better, which I am doing.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think he's getting to understand you have to control your anger and temper.

The Guardian

The women are young, beautiful and gradually getting to understand and accept their qualities beyond that beauty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

We have got to understand it".

Independent

"You got to understand," Mr. Fields said.

The New York Times

"Ron Dayne's got to understand that.

The New York Times - Sports

People got to understand something, David.

The New York Times

They've got to understand their responsibilities.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting to understand" when emphasizing the process of gradually achieving comprehension, especially when direct experience or interaction is involved. For example, "By working on the project, I am "getting to understand" the software architecture."

Common error

While "getting to understand" is generally acceptable, it may sound less formal than alternatives like "comprehending" or "acquiring an understanding of" in academic or professional writing. Choose the phrasing that best suits the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting to understand" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the ongoing process of comprehension, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting to understand" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the process of gradually gaining comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable across various contexts, although it tends to be more frequent in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it might be prudent to opt for more formal alternatives like "acquiring an understanding of" in academic or professional writing. Remember that alternatives like "coming to understand" or "beginning to understand" can provide subtly different shades of meaning. The key is to choose the phrasing that best captures the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to understand

Focuses on the arrival at understanding, rather than the process itself.

beginning to understand

Emphasizes the initial stage of comprehension.

starting to understand

Similar to 'beginning to understand', but can imply a slightly more advanced stage.

growing to understand

Highlights the progressive nature of developing understanding over time.

learning to understand

Implies a deliberate effort to gain understanding through learning.

gaining an understanding of

Shifts the focus to acquiring a general comprehension.

developing an understanding of

Focuses on the development and expansion of one's understanding.

becoming familiar with

Emphasizes familiarity and acquaintance, not necessarily deep understanding.

grasping the meaning of

Highlights the act of seizing or capturing the essence of something.

appreciating the nuances of

Focuses on understanding subtle distinctions and details.

FAQs

How can I use "getting to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "getting to understand" to describe a process of gradually comprehending something, as in, "I'm "getting to understand" the complexities of this issue."

What are some alternatives to "getting to understand"?

Alternatives include "coming to understand", "beginning to understand", or "gaining an understanding of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "getting to understand" formal or informal?

"Getting to understand" leans towards informal. In formal contexts, consider using "acquiring an understanding of" or "comprehending".

When should I use "getting to understand" instead of "understanding"?

Use "getting to understand" to emphasize the process and progression of understanding, whereas "understanding" describes a state of comprehension.