have a strong understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a strong understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's level of knowledge or expertise in a particular subject or field. Example: "To excel in this role, candidates must have a strong understanding of data analysis and statistical methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It certainly helps while picking aides at such a speedy clip to have a strong understanding of the big boss.

The New York Times

First, we need to have a strong understanding of the physical processes involved in the extreme weather event.

The Guardian

"A civil service veteran will possess a high level of skills in procurement and have a strong understanding of UK and EU procurement rules," says Priddy.

The Guardian

Almost all said that they did not have a strong understanding of Harvard's rather byzantine system of calculating averages and honors.

The New York Times

"These decisions need to be taken at a local level by councils, who have a strong understanding of their local areas, in consultation with residents".

The Guardian

The industry began to realize after the Fukushima disaster that engineers did not have a strong understanding of which structures and systems at the plants were most vulnerable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

With this strong foundation in diagramming and explaining evolutionary relationships, students will have a more coherent framework for thinking about biology and, consequently, have a stronger understanding of science.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Yet, there remain a number of inconsistencies within the literature that need to be addressed in order to have a stronger understanding of the true scope of the problem.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Jo has a strong understanding of the current security requirements and likely future challenges facing relief and development organisations.

The Guardian

"Unicef knew Muktangan had a strong understanding of teacher training," said Reshma Agarwal, an education specialist at Unicef.

The New York Times

Being an actor meant Stockwell had a strong understanding of what a good script needs, but having an income was essential to keeping his writing going.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's qualifications, use "have a strong understanding of" to highlight their expertise, ensuring you specify the area of knowledge clearly. For example, "The candidate must have a strong understanding of financial markets."

Common error

Avoid using "have a strong understanding of" when the context suggests only a basic familiarity. Reserve it for situations where genuine, in-depth knowledge is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a strong understanding of" functions as a verb phrase expressing competence or expertise in a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples in Ludwig show its application in diverse fields, indicating a solid grasp of concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a strong understanding of" is a useful way to express that someone possesses significant knowledge in a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not the most common phrase, its versatility allows it to function effectively across various contexts, including news, science, and business as shown by Ludwig's examples. Alternatives such as "possess a comprehensive knowledge of" or "have a deep grasp of" offer similar meanings. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where genuine, in-depth knowledge is present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a thorough awareness of

Emphasizes a complete and detailed understanding.

have a deep grasp of

Highlights a thorough and profound understanding.

have a solid command of

Indicates a strong and confident understanding.

possess a comprehensive knowledge of

Emphasizes the breadth and depth of knowledge.

have a firm handle on

Indicates a secure and confident grasp of the subject.

be well-versed in

Suggests extensive knowledge gained through experience or study.

demonstrate a high proficiency in

Highlights the ability to perform skillfully due to understanding.

be intimately acquainted with

Suggests a close and detailed familiarity.

have extensive expertise in

Focuses on specialized knowledge and skill in a particular area.

exhibit a masterful understanding of

Implies exceptional skill and knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "possess a comprehensive knowledge of", "have a deep grasp of", or "be well-versed in" depending on the context.

How do I use "have a strong understanding of" in a sentence?

Use "have a strong understanding of" to describe someone's in-depth knowledge or expertise in a particular subject. For example, "The engineer must have a strong understanding of thermodynamics".

What is the difference between "have a strong understanding of" and "have a basic understanding of"?

"Have a strong understanding of" implies a comprehensive and detailed knowledge, while "have a basic understanding of" suggests only a superficial familiarity with the subject.

Is it appropriate to use "have a strong understanding of" in formal writing?

Yes, "have a strong understanding of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the depth of someone's knowledge or expertise.