increase our understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase our understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the enhancement of knowledge or comprehension about a particular topic or issue. Example: "The research aims to increase our understanding of climate change and its impacts on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are looking for ways to increase our understanding through reading and writing reviews from children of their own age.

The Guardian

Evolutionary optimization has been successfully used to increase our understanding of key properties of biochemical systems.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences

Besides the potential to treat various diseases, these endeavours increase our understanding of fundamental cell biology.

Placenta

We suggest additional studies in other watersheds to increase our understanding of these bird/NDVI relationships.

Journal of Arid Environments

These data increase our understanding of the genetic basis of rainbow trout BCWD resistance.

Aquaculture

Complementing dynamical with structural analysis may further increase our understanding of persistence in food webs.

Ecological Modelling

Elucidation of the mechanism of CR-mediated lifespan extension will dramatically increase our understanding of the aging process.

University of California, Berkeley

All of us should increase our understanding of water waves, both the everyday ones and the exceptional ones.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Film Series also presents and honors filmmakers whose films increase our understanding of negotiation and conflict transformation.

Harvard University

The approach provides an opportunity to increase our understanding of the relation between human basin modifications and changes in streamflow.

Journal of Hydrology

"These are key reasons why we need to increase our understanding of bee behaviour".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to convey a nuanced comprehension, pair "increase our understanding" with specific objectives. For example, "increase our understanding of climate change impacts" to add clarity and focus.

Common error

Avoid using "increase our understanding" without a clear subject. It's more effective to specify what you aim to understand better, rather than using it as a generic statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase our understanding" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action aimed at augmenting comprehension or knowledge. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

Academia

21%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "increase our understanding" is a versatile phrase used to express the aim of enhancing knowledge across various fields. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable. While commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, it's essential to use it with specific objectives to maximize clarity. Consider alternatives like "deepen our knowledge" or "enhance our insight" for nuanced expressions. By avoiding vague usage and specifying the subject of understanding, you can wield this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deepen our knowledge

This alternative emphasizes the depth of the knowledge gained, rather than simply increasing it.

broaden our comprehension

This option highlights the expansion of comprehension across a wider range of subjects.

enhance our insight

This phrase focuses on improving the quality and depth of our insights.

advance our awareness

This alternative suggests a progression in our recognition and perception of a subject.

expand our perspective

This phrase emphasizes widening the scope from which we view and interpret information.

foster a better grasp

This alternative highlights the nurturing of a stronger and more complete understanding.

promote greater awareness

Similar to 'advance our awareness', but emphasizes promotion and active encouragement.

develop a fuller picture

This option focuses on constructing a more complete and detailed representation of something.

gain deeper insights

This alternative emphasizes acquiring more profound understandings.

cultivate a stronger knowledge

This phrase underlines the development and refinement of existing knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "increase our understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "increase our understanding" to describe efforts to learn more about a specific topic, such as "The research aims to "increase our understanding" of the human brain".

What are some alternatives to "increase our understanding"?

Some alternatives include "deepen our knowledge", "broaden our comprehension", or "enhance our insight", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always necessary to specify what we want to understand when using "increase our understanding"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the subject clarifies your intent and makes your writing more impactful. Saying "increase our understanding of quantum physics" is more effective than simply saying "increase our understanding".

What's the difference between "increase our understanding" and "improve our understanding"?

"Increase our understanding" refers to expanding the scope or depth of knowledge, while "improve our understanding" implies enhancing the quality or accuracy of existing knowledge. The former is about gaining more, the latter is about making what we know better.