initial understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial understanding" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person's initial knowledge or understanding of something, or to the first understanding reached by two or more people in a discussion. For example, "After much discussion, we came to an initial understanding of the project goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For my son, his initial understanding of the police in regard to our race was primal.

The Guardian - Opinion

My initial understanding was that there could be no such police action if Wood herself had been inside the flat.

The Guardian - Opinion

My initial understanding of feminism and racism came from these two writers in the same weeks and months.

The New Yorker

"Syria has not committed a single violation of Annan's plan or the initial understanding between Syria and the United Nations," Mr. Mikdad said.

The New York Times

And if Iran does not live up to its obligations under the initial understanding, or if we cannot get a comprehensive agreement finalised, any economic relief we will have given Iran can, in fact, be reversed".

The Guardian

Mr. Adler said his initial understanding of what he regarded as the disputed expenses was that they were "legitimate and well within the scope of his position within the Democratic Party".

The New York Times

"From our initial understanding, it seems the truck hit a pothole, lost control, crossed the center line and sideswiped Morgan's car, causing it to turn over several times," the American official said.

The New York Times

We have now an initial understanding of what a state of affairs is.

SEP

Second, this study provides an initial understanding of guidelines for course design using Web-based technologies.

Computers and Composition

The results provide an initial understanding of how these factors affect selection performance.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

While developing initial understanding of a software system, incorrect information is the biggest concern.

Object-Oriented Reengineering Patterns

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "initial understanding" to set the stage for a more detailed explanation or analysis, showing how perspectives or knowledge developed over time.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "initial understanding" as a comprehensive view. Always indicate that it's a starting point and may not encompass the full scope of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial understanding" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the starting point of comprehension or knowledge regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where it is used to introduce or frame a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial understanding" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a person's first grasp of a concept. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clarify that it represents a starting point and may not encompass the complete picture. Consider alternatives such as "preliminary understanding" or "basic grasp" to adjust the nuance of your writing. Remember to avoid presenting the "initial understanding" as a comprehensive overview to prevent potential misinterpretations. This phrase is best suited for neutral to formal registers, maintaining objectivity and seriousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introductory understanding

Replaces "initial" with "introductory", emphasizing the beginning stage of comprehension.

preliminary understanding

Substitutes "initial" with "preliminary", highlighting the tentative nature of the understanding.

basic grasp

Replaces the more formal "understanding" with the simpler "grasp", indicating a fundamental level of comprehension.

early perception

Shifts from "understanding" to "perception", focusing on the initial awareness or impression.

first impression

Focuses on the very first, often visual or immediate, understanding.

nascent awareness

Uses "nascent" to emphasize the newly emerging quality of the awareness or understanding.

primary conception

Emphasizes the formation of an idea or concept.

starting point for comprehension

Indicates the beginning of a more thorough understanding process.

foundational knowledge

Highlights the knowledge that serves as a base for something.

rudimentary insight

Suggests a very basic or undeveloped level of insight.

FAQs

How can I use "initial understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "initial understanding" to describe someone's first grasp of a concept, such as: "My "initial understanding" of quantum physics was very limited."

What's a good alternative to "initial understanding"?

Consider using "preliminary understanding", "basic grasp", or "introductory understanding" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "initial understanding"?

While "understanding" often implies a beginning, "initial understanding" emphasizes that the comprehension is at an early stage and subject to change or refinement.

What's the difference between "initial understanding" and "misconception"?

"Initial understanding" refers to a correct but possibly incomplete early grasp of something, while a "misconception" is an incorrect understanding. An initial understanding can evolve, whereas a misconception needs to be corrected.