it helps understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it helps understanding' is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something can help to clarify or comprehend something else. For example, "By breaking down the complex problem into simpler parts, it helps understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It helps understanding the path-lines of water particles and the fate of water within the model domain.

Applied Water Science

The results obtained in the present study are vital to hydrological analysis as it helps understanding the hydrological behavior of the DEM without being influenced by the model structural as well as parameter uncertainty.

Journal of Hydrology

These broad areas are not independent of each other, but it helps understanding to try to organise the many different facets of risk.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Although this widely-used classification of herpesvirus genes may not fully reflect the subtle regulation of viral gene expression in infected cells, it helps understanding of the viral replication cycle, gene functions, virus-host interactions and possibilities for control of disease.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It helped understanding that aspect of what it's like to be an N.F.L. quarterback, and to be on a successful team".

The New York Times - Sports

It also helps understanding the better strategy for valuing petroleum surpluses.

Energy Strategy Reviews

One of the great advantages of the cancer stem cell hypothesis is that it also helps understanding other cancer concepts such as cancer as a minimal residual disease.

Cell Communication and Signaling

It may help understanding how energy services can be provided in a future society even in the case of disruptions [77].

European Journal of Futures Research

It can help understanding the underlying structural and behavioral complexities that influence the process of capacity building towards evidence-informed decision making.

BMC Health Services Research

While this is not always the case, it will certainly help understanding your financial situation.

WikiHow

"When it's all we have, however, it's enough to help understanding.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it helps understanding", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'Breaking down complex data into visual charts helps understanding'.

Common error

Avoid using "help" directly followed by a noun without a verb. Instead of saying, "This helps understanding," use "This helps in understanding" or, better yet, "This helps to improve understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it helps understanding" functions as a clause expressing how something facilitates or contributes to comprehension. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used to connect a cause or action with an improved state of understanding. The numerous examples confirm its utility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it helps understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something facilitates comprehension. As Ludwig AI affirms, the phrase is useful in connecting actions or causes to improved understanding. While it is deemed correct and common, variations like "it helps in understanding" or "it helps to understand" may offer greater grammatical precision, particularly in formal writing. The contexts span science, news, and general knowledge, showing its versatility in explaining how various factors contribute to clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it aids comprehension

Replaces "helps understanding" with a synonym that emphasizes mental grasping.

it fosters insight

Focuses on promoting deeper understanding or realization.

it clarifies the subject

Highlights making the topic more clear and less confusing.

it facilitates comprehension

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes ease of understanding.

it promotes awareness

Shifts the focus to increasing knowledge or consciousness of something.

it enhances perception

Implies improving the ability to perceive or become aware of something through the senses.

it builds insight

Emphasizes the process of developing a deeper understanding gradually.

it provides clarity

Focuses on offering a clear and easy-to-understand explanation.

it contributes to knowledge

Highlights the addition of information or understanding to a broader field.

it enables insight

Focuses on empowering understanding or realization.

FAQs

How can I use "it helps understanding" in a sentence?

Use "it helps understanding" to explain how something contributes to making a concept or situation clearer. For instance, "Visual aids can be useful, as it helps understanding complex data".

What are some alternatives to "it helps understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "it aids comprehension", "it fosters insight", or "it clarifies the subject" depending on the specific context.

Is it more correct to say "it helps understanding" or "it helps to understand"?

While "it helps understanding" is acceptable, "it helps to understand" is often considered more grammatically formal. However, "it helps in understanding" is also common and correct.

What's the difference between "it helps understanding" and "it creates understanding"?

"It helps understanding" suggests that something assists in the process of comprehension, whereas "it creates understanding" implies a more direct and complete generation of understanding. The former is facilitative, the latter is generative.