glean an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'glean an understanding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that you have gained a basic or overall comprehension of something by collecting bits of information from multiple sources. For example: "I was able to glean an understanding of this complex legal system by researching case studies and reading articles written by legal experts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The process is clearly explained and illustrated, so it doesn't take an expert in petrochemicals to glean an understanding from this book, or to make the links with other, related areas of study such as molecular chemistry or energy and conservation.

The Guardian - Books

I was, however, able to glean an understanding of the rule and its application by asking around.

TechCrunch

However, instead of putting these into a dashboard that others have to sit and watch to glean an understanding of what's happening on the site, Spinnakr's "insight engines" track events, rank them by importance, then drop the data into a feed that looks something like a news feed.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then we might glean a better understanding of just how prevalent psychopathy is in the beautiful game.

The Guardian - Sport

Researchers are starting to use body sensors, including the ubiquitous smartphone, to glean a deeper understanding of how behavior, environment and other factors are related to disease.

The New York Times

This allows scientists and wildlife managers to glean a quick understanding of how their area's amphibians fare as a whole.

The New York Times

If researchers can do that, they will be able to glean a deeper understanding how a cancer grows and spreads, and how to stop it.

MIT Technology Review

Some researchers call for a massive new effort to analyze thousands of various tumors to glean a better understanding of their genetic variations.

Forbes

Ultimately, the raison d'etre for any significant transformation project should be motivated by delivering a better experience, both to the customer and employee, using digital to glean a better understanding of their respective decisions and behaviors.

Forbes

Additionally, employers cannot glean a complete understanding of your work potential if you disguise your past.

Huffington Post

But at least we might glean a greater understanding about gender differences and similarities, which could inform the way our children are taught.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glean an understanding" when you want to show that knowledge was gained through careful collection of information from different locations.

Common error

Avoid using "glean an understanding" when the information is straightforward or easily accessible. It implies a process of careful gathering, which is unnecessary if the understanding comes readily.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glean an understanding" functions as a verb phrase followed by an article and a noun, acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of acquiring knowledge or comprehension through careful effort, as seen in Ludwig's examples where understanding is derived from analysis or observation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "glean an understanding" accurately describes the act of acquiring comprehension through careful observation and collection of information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although not exceedingly common, it is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, remember to use this phrase to emphasize effortful comprehension, not for readily available knowledge. Alternatives such as ""gain insight"" or ""develop a grasp of"" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gain insight into

Focuses on acquiring a deeper, more specific level of comprehension.

Develop a grasp of

Emphasizes the process of forming a solid comprehension.

Extract meaning from

Highlights the process of pulling out relevant information from something.

Acquire knowledge of

Highlights the acquisition of factual information.

Formulate an interpretation of

Stresses the active construction of meaning from available information.

Piece together a picture of

Implies gathering disparate elements to create a cohesive understanding.

Ascertain the meaning of

Focuses on determining the precise significance or implication.

Get to the bottom of

Implies uncovering the fundamental truth or cause of something.

Fathom the depths of

Suggests exploring a complex or profound subject to achieve understanding.

Decipher the intricacies of

Emphasizes the careful and detailed analysis required for comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "glean an understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "glean an understanding" to describe the process of gradually gaining comprehension through careful observation or study. For example, "I was able to "gain an understanding" of the topic by reading multiple articles and analyzing the data."

What is a good alternative to "glean an understanding"?

Alternatives include "gain insight", "develop a grasp of", or "acquire knowledge of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to "glean an understanding" or "gain an understanding"?

"Glean an understanding" suggests a more gradual and effortful process of gathering information to achieve comprehension, while "gain an understanding" is a more general term for acquiring knowledge. Choose "glean" when the understanding is hard-won.

How does "glean an understanding" differ from "get an understanding"?

"Glean an understanding" implies a careful and methodical gathering of information, whereas "get an understanding" is more general and suggests simply coming to understand something, regardless of the method.