have a solid understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a solid understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's comprehension or grasp of a particular subject or concept. Example: "To excel in this role, you must have a solid understanding of project management principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 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

18 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

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

I also came across some articles on the topic, but I still didn't feel like I had a solid understanding of who was right and who was wrong.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "have a solid understanding of", ensure the context clearly defines the subject or area of knowledge. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "have a solid understanding of" when your knowledge is basic or introductory. Overstating your understanding can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a solid understanding of" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the subject's possession of a comprehensive grasp of a particular topic or subject matter. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

4%

Unknown

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a solid understanding of" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong comprehension of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While alternatives like "possess a strong grasp of" or "demonstrate a firm command of" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and effective way to convey a comprehensive understanding. Remember to use it accurately, reflecting the true depth of knowledge to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a strong grasp of

Replaces "have" with "possess" and "solid understanding" with "strong grasp", indicating capability instead of just knowledge.

demonstrate a firm command of

Shifts the focus to demonstrating knowledge, implying active use and control of the subject matter.

exhibit a comprehensive knowledge of

Emphasizes the breadth and depth of the knowledge.

be well-versed in

Suggests familiarity and expertise gained through experience or study.

have a thorough awareness of

Replaces "understanding" with "awareness", suggesting a more general or broad comprehension.

command a detailed insight into

Indicates a deeper level of understanding, focusing on intricate details.

comprehend fully

Uses a single verb to replace the entire phrase, emphasizing complete understanding.

appreciate the nuances of

Focuses on understanding subtle aspects or distinctions within a subject.

be conversant with

Suggests a practical understanding sufficient for discussion or application.

have complete mastery of

Indicates a very high level of expertise and control over a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a solid understanding of" to describe someone's comprehension of a particular subject. For example, "To excel in this role, you must have a solid understanding of project management principles."

What are some alternatives to "have a solid understanding of"?

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

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

"Have a solid understanding of" implies a more complete and reliable knowledge than "have a good understanding of". The choice depends on the level of understanding you want to convey.

What's the difference between "have a solid understanding of" and "have expertise in"?

"Have a solid understanding of" indicates a strong comprehension of a topic, while "have expertise in" implies a high level of skill and practical experience. "Have expertise in" suggests the ability to apply knowledge effectively.