increase understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

"increase understanding of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to improve one's comprehension or knowledge about something. Example: The teacher used various interactive activities to increase understanding of complex scientific concepts among her students.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Muslim communities are engaging in outreach to try to increase understanding of Islam.

The Guardian

It's also true that neuroscience and cognitive psychology can increase understanding of flaws in decision-making.

The Guardian - Books

That will include joint efforts by the two countries to increase understanding of those standards among manufacturers and exporters.

The New York Times

Share your knowledge to increase understanding of how immigration affects American society – for better or worse.

The New York Times

The central bank has not laid out guidelines, like inflation targets, that would help steer its decision making and increase understanding of its intentions.

The New York Times

In addition, Sarah Phillimore, who co-founded the Transparency Project to increase understanding of the family courts, says that there is an increasing phenomenon of "confirmation bias".

The Guardian

Surely it is time to reverse this trend; our democracy, monarchy, rule of law, history, these are the things we need to increase understanding of.

The Guardian

Focused intently on the way "they" are like "us," these films may not do much to increase understanding of autism at all.

The New York Times

International cooperation between conservation groups and the sharing of information and expertise helps to increase understanding of the natural world and our connection with it.

The Guardian

Public health messages should also continue to increase understanding of HPV as well as cancer risks from smoking and some sexual behaviour.

The Guardian

Groundwater is becoming an increasingly crucial component of the world's available fresh water, and the findings could significantly increase understanding of how it behaves.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "increase understanding of" a topic, focus on providing clear and concise explanations, using relatable examples, and encouraging active engagement with the material.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or overly complex language when trying to "increase understanding of" a subject. Simplicity and clarity are key to effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase understanding of" serves as a verb phrase functioning as an infinitive of purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a common phrase used to express the aim of enhancing comprehension or knowledge about a particular topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increase understanding of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the intention to improve comprehension or knowledge about a specific subject. According to Ludwig AI, it's common and correct in written English. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, notably in scientific and news-related domains. When employing this phrase, focus on clarity and providing relatable examples to effectively enhance the audience's grasp of the topic. Avoiding jargon and complicated language ensures that the message is accessible and easily understood. Alternatives such as "improve knowledge of" or "enhance comprehension of" can be used for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase comprehension of

Direct synonym, placing emphasis on cognitive grasp.

widening understanding of

Indicates an expansion of existing knowledge, not necessarily initial comprehension.

heightens understanding of

Suggests making an already present understanding more acute.

raising understanding of

Focuses on bringing awareness to a higher level.

increase knowledge of

Concentrates on accumulating facts, whereas the original includes a comprehension component.

widened understanding of

Implies the understanding has already been broadened.

heightened understanding of

Suggests an understanding that has become sharper or more intense.

rising understanding of

Similar to 'raising', but suggests the understanding is growing organically.

increase sympathy of

Focuses on fostering empathy rather than pure cognitive understanding.

increase appreciation of

Emphasizes valuing something, rather than just understanding it.

FAQs

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

You can use "increase understanding of" to describe actions taken to improve knowledge or comprehension, such as: "The goal of the workshop is to "increase understanding of" climate change."

What are some alternatives to "increase understanding of"?

Alternatives include "improve knowledge of", "enhance comprehension of", or "promote awareness of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "increase understanding" or "improve understanding"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "increase understanding" suggests broadening the scope of knowledge, while "improve understanding" indicates refining or deepening existing knowledge. The best choice depends on context.

How does "increase understanding of" differ from "create awareness of"?

"Increase understanding of" implies a deeper cognitive grasp of a subject, while "create awareness of" simply means making people conscious of its existence. For example, you might "create awareness of" a problem before trying to "increase understanding of" its causes.