have a solid understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a solid understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong grasp or comprehension of a subject or topic. Example: "After completing the course, I feel that I have a solid understanding of the principles of economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They are important to include in your Master's thesis because you'll need to demonstrate that you have a solid understanding of the critical context of your topic and that you understand what the major scholars in your field have to say about the subject.

WikiHow

When conducting business online, not only is it crucial to understand your business or industry inside and out, you must have a solid understanding of what potential customers may be looking for in terms of information.

Huffington Post

IAPDA certifies debt negotiators who have a solid understanding of the laws governing the Debt Settlement industry and who will fully understand your current financial situation.

WikiHow

"We will have a solid understanding of the level of voting," said a senior State Department official visiting the region.

The New York Times

If you want to get the most out of your job search, make sure you have a solid understanding of the digital changes becoming commonplace in modern applications.

The Guardian

Finally, he said, building owners and boards should ensure that their maintenance personnel have a solid understanding of how the heating system works.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

He tweeted: "At least Richard Nixon had a solid understanding of world affairs.

The Guardian

David Beltrán has a solid understanding of the benefits of a college education.

The New York Times

And while she doesn't seem to have missed a beat after the birth of her young son, she presumably has a solid understanding that family life comes with unexpected demands.

The New York Times

For students who want to pursue graduate education or careers in STEM, having a solid understanding of statistics is particularly crucial.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

The various skills tested were rated as being successfully performed only if the examiner felt that the resident had a solid understanding of what was demonstrated.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a solid understanding", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific subject or area the understanding pertains to. For example, "have a solid understanding of data structures".

Common error

Avoid using "have a solid understanding" without specifying the subject matter. Saying "I have a solid understanding" without context leaves the reader wondering what exactly you understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a solid understanding" functions as a verb phrase indicating the possession of comprehensive knowledge. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses a strong grasp of a subject. Examples show usage in academic, professional, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a solid understanding" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a comprehensive grasp of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across different contexts. While it is appropriate for various registers, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources. Related phrases include "possess a firm grasp" and "demonstrate a strong command". Remember to clearly specify the subject matter to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a complete knowledge

Very similar, with emphasis on complete understanding.

have a sound grasp

Synonymous, using "sound" to mean reliable or firm.

comprehend fully

A more concise way of saying you understand something completely.

grasp completely

Highlights the action of understanding something entirely.

possess a firm grasp

Replaces "have" with "possess" and "solid understanding" with "firm grasp", slightly more formal.

demonstrate a strong command

Shifts the focus to demonstrating understanding rather than simply possessing it; more active.

exhibit a comprehensive knowledge

Replaces "understanding" with "knowledge" and "solid" with "comprehensive"; emphasizes breadth of knowledge.

have a deep appreciation

Implies understanding accompanied by value and insight.

be well-versed in

Indicates thorough knowledge and familiarity, often implying practical experience.

have a good handle on

More informal; suggests control and competence in dealing with something.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a solid understanding"?

To "have a solid understanding" means to possess a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of a particular subject. It implies more than just familiarity; it suggests a deep grasp of the core concepts and principles.

How can I demonstrate that I "have a solid understanding" of something?

You can demonstrate that you "have a solid understanding" by clearly explaining complex concepts, applying your knowledge to solve problems, and critically evaluating information related to the subject. Teaching others is a great way to test your understanding.

What can I say instead of "have a solid understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "possess a firm grasp", "demonstrate a strong command", or "exhibit a comprehensive knowledge" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "have a solid understanding" or "have a strong understanding"?

Both "have a solid understanding" and "have a strong understanding" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to achieve. "Solid" implies reliability, while "strong" implies power.