have a poor understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a poor understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's lack of comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject or topic. Example: "Many students have a poor understanding of advanced mathematics, which can hinder their performance in the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

We have a poor understanding of the computational foundations of human intellect.

Cornell University

A philosopher maintains that we have a poor understanding of our own conscious experience.

The New York Times - Books

Patients with kidney disease often have a poor understanding of their condition.

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease

However, for most Ras GEFs and GAPs we have a poor understanding of their regulation.

Methods in Enzymology

They have a poor understanding of their information needs and find it difficult to develop effective search strategies.

The Guardian

More broadly, other research has shown that Americans have a poor understanding of how wealth is distributed in this country.

The Washington Post

They often lack basic business skills, have a poor understanding of the finance world and are reluctant exporters.

The Guardian

Currently, we cannot explain how this dynamic structure generates and responds to forces while maintaining overall stability, as we have a poor understanding of its micromechanical properties.

Cell

For most complex traits we have a poor understanding of the positions, phenotypic effects, and population frequencies of the underlying genetic variants contributing to their variation.

Trends in Genetics

"The novel study points out that we still have a poor understanding of the mechanisms of how methane hydrates melt and release gas, and the potential of that methane to reach the atmosphere," he said.

The Washington Post

Since we are still learning about fundamental controls on canopy traits within and between ecosystems, and we have a poor understanding of their response to global change, this kind of NEON work is very important.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "have a poor understanding of" with suggestions for improvement or resources for gaining better knowledge to offer constructive criticism rather than simply pointing out a deficit.

Common error

Avoid using "have a poor understanding of" in a broad or sweeping manner without specifying the exact aspects that are misunderstood. Being specific strengthens your critique and makes it more actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a poor understanding of" functions as a descriptor, indicating a deficiency in knowledge or comprehension regarding a specific subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use across diverse fields. The Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

27%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a poor understanding of" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of comprehension or knowledge about a specific subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. The phrase appears most frequently in science, news media, and academic contexts, suggesting its applicability in both formal and neutral registers. While "have a poor understanding of" is a common way to point out gaps in knowledge, being specific about the area of misunderstanding and offering constructive suggestions for improvement can enhance its impact. Alternatives such as "lack a sufficient grasp of" or "possess limited knowledge about" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lack a sufficient grasp of

Emphasizes the insufficiency of one's understanding.

Possess limited knowledge about

Highlights the restricted scope of one's knowledge.

Have a deficient understanding of

Focuses on the inadequacy of comprehension.

Exhibit a weak comprehension of

Points to the feebleness of one's understanding.

Demonstrate an inadequate grasp of

Highlights the insufficiency in understanding something.

Are not well-versed in

Indicates a lack of familiarity and expertise.

Are unfamiliar with

States a lack of awareness or experience.

Have a tenuous understanding of

Suggests a fragile and uncertain grasp of the subject.

Have a blurred understanding of

Implies a vague or indistinct comprehension.

Struggle to comprehend

Highlights the difficulty one faces in understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "have a poor understanding of" in a sentence?

You can use "have a poor understanding of" to describe someone's lack of knowledge or comprehension about a specific topic. For example: "Many patients "have a poor understanding of" their condition."

What are some alternatives to saying "have a poor understanding of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "lack a sufficient grasp of", "possess limited knowledge about", or "are unfamiliar with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have a limited understanding of" or "have a poor understanding of"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "have a limited understanding of" might be perceived as slightly less critical. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to place on the lack of understanding.

What's the difference between "have a poor understanding of" and "have a misconception about"?

"Have a poor understanding of" suggests a general lack of knowledge or comprehension, while "have a misconception about" indicates that someone holds an incorrect or inaccurate belief. For example, someone might "have a poor understanding of" quantum physics, while they "have a poor understanding of" the causes of climate change.