good understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the level of knowledge someone has about a particular subject or idea. For example, "The lawyer has a good understanding of the legal matters in the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It provides a good understanding of how the power flows".

The New York Times

You definitely need a good understanding of maths and physics.

The Guardian

I think people have a very good understanding of that.

The Guardian

Gain a good understanding of the student's impairment and background.

The Guardian

A good understanding of things, or so I feel".

The New Yorker

They have a good understanding of the car.

The Guardian - Sport

"I didn't have a good understanding of the reasons.

The Guardian

All the games build a good understanding of probability.

The Economist

I'm a pilot, so I already have a good understanding of wind sources.

The New York Times

A good understanding of the media is also essential for job interviews.

The Guardian

"Those who think we can defeat the U.S.A. do not have a good understanding of volleyball".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "good understanding of", ensure the context clearly defines what subject or concept the understanding pertains to. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "good understanding of" when a more precise term like "proficiency", "expertise", or "familiarity" would better convey the specific level of knowledge. The term is useful, but can be less impactful than a more descriptive adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good understanding of" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the quality or extent of someone's knowledge or comprehension regarding a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good understanding of" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe someone's level of knowledge or comprehension. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, and scientific publications, suggesting a broad applicability across different registers. While alternatives such as ""thorough grasp of"" or ""solid knowledge of"" can offer more specific nuances, "good understanding of" remains a reliable and widely understood choice for conveying competency in a given area. Remember to use a specific term after "of" to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thorough grasp of

Emphasizes a complete and detailed comprehension.

solid knowledge of

Highlights the firmness and reliability of the information known.

deep insight into

Suggests a profound and penetrating understanding.

strong command of

Implies mastery and control over the subject matter.

comprehensive awareness of

Indicates a broad and inclusive understanding.

extensive familiarity with

Focuses on prolonged exposure and acquaintance with the topic.

profound appreciation for

Emphasizes a deep and respectful understanding, often in the context of art or culture.

clear perception of

Highlights the clarity and accuracy of the understanding.

acute awareness of

Stresses a sharp and sensitive understanding.

expert knowledge of

Suggests specialist or authoritative knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "good understanding of" in a sentence?

You can use "good understanding of" to describe someone's knowledge or comprehension of a subject. For example, "She has a "good understanding of" quantum physics" or "A "good understanding of" the market is essential for investors".

What are some alternatives to "good understanding of"?

Alternatives include "thorough grasp of", "solid knowledge of", or "deep insight into", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a good understanding on" instead of "a good understanding of"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "of". "A "good understanding of"" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted form.

What's the difference between ""good understanding of"" and "basic knowledge of"?

"Good understanding of" implies a more comprehensive and nuanced comprehension than "basic knowledge of". The latter suggests a fundamental awareness, while the former suggests a deeper, more developed level of insight.