it helps to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it helps to understand' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in written English whenever you want to indicate that something, such as information or a concept, can be more easily understood if some kind of assistance is provided. For example, "Listening to a lecture on the subject will help you to understand the principles of economics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To understand what makes the Netflix Player a flawed masterpiece, it helps to understand its history.

The New York Times - Tech

So it helps to understand the basic rules of anatomy".

The Guardian

To understand why, it helps to understand Photoshop's history.

The New York Times - Tech

To start, it helps to understand the basics of home construction.

The New York Times

First, it helps to understand a legitimate transaction involving text messages.

The New York Times

To understand the big idea — the hard one — it helps to understand the special idea first.

The New Yorker

It helps to understand that conflicts of interest are inherent in the traditional financial services industry.

The New York Times

If your concern is animal welfare, it helps to understand what's allowable under certain labels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before comparisons can be made, however, it helps to understand what's in the envelope.

The New York Times

To understand how these products work, it helps to understand how professionals work.

The New York Times

To understand Erdogan's dilemma, it helps to understand the depths of Turkey's commitment to secularism.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it helps to understand", ensure that the connection between the subject needing understanding and the assisting information is clear and direct. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it helps to understand" when the relationship between the topic and the explanation is weak or unclear. Ensure a logical and evident connection exists to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it helps to understand" functions as an introductory clause that signals the provision of supporting information or context. It sets the stage for a deeper comprehension of a subject. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it helps to understand" is a versatile phrase used to introduce essential context or supporting information that aids in comprehending a given topic. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to science and business. When using the phrase, ensure a clear connection between the subject and the provided explanation to maximize its effectiveness. Some alternatives include "a key to understanding is", or "understanding requires".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key to understanding is

Highlights that some information is essential for comprehension.

considering X provides context

Focuses on context, which can be essential for understanding.

it's useful to know

Focuses on the utility of knowing something, rather than explicitly aiding understanding.

it is helpful to learn

This alternative is slightly more generic, focusing on learning rather than direct understanding.

understanding requires

Highlights the prerequisites for achieving comprehension.

knowing this clarifies

Emphasizes clarification as the outcome of possessing certain knowledge.

comprehending involves

Suggests that comprehension is an active process that includes something else.

gaining insight into facilitates understanding

This alternative is more academic and emphasizes the role of insight.

to grasp it, consider

Uses a more direct and actionable tone, suggesting consideration as a means to understanding.

familiarizing yourself with is beneficial

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the benefit of gaining familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "it helps to understand" in a sentence?

Use "it helps to understand" to introduce background information or context that makes a complex topic easier to grasp. For instance, "To understand this policy, "it helps to understand" its historical context."

What are some alternatives to "it helps to understand"?

Alternatives include "a key to understanding is", "understanding requires", or "considering X provides context". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it helps to understand" formal or informal?

"It helps to understand" is generally neutral and can be used in various contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in strictly academic or professional writing.

How does context affect the use of "it helps to understand"?

The context determines what information is most relevant to introduce after "it helps to understand". Make sure the added information directly aids comprehension of the main topic.