obtain understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the process of gaining knowledge or comprehension about something. For example: "By spending time with the elders of our community, we were able to obtain understanding about traditional ways of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For upscaling and homogenisation of properties and conditions it is necessary to understand the ways in which soil structures occur, and to obtain understanding of the ways in which it influences soil behaviour.

Engineering Geology

The internal auditors and IS managers should obtain understanding of internal control structure in internet-based information systems (IIS) to be established in their organizations.

Expert Systems with Applications

In this study, we investigated the extent of problematic text recycling in order to obtain understanding of its occurrence in four research areas: biochemistry & molecular biology, economics, history and psychology.

Research Policy

In fact, it is claimed that whoever obtains understanding through reading will have weak vital energy (qi, 氣) and that to have the energy needed to truly enact the Buddhist path one must obtain understanding in the medium of circumstances and events by never losing mindfulness anywhere.

SEP

Furthermore the practice accreditation program is used to obtain understanding of the practice organization in order to enhance the quality of care in the practice [ 7].

BMC Family Practice

They did not aspire to be 'typical'; they aimed to obtain understanding of the complexity and dynamics of implementation and, importantly, the influence of local context.

Alcohol and Alcoholism

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In the case of dying bees, beekeepers are suggesting different ways of obtaining understanding than that sanctioned by government officials, chemical companies, and established scientists.

The Guardian

The word "getting" comes in for even closer attention, its versatility functioning as a kind of reverse prism through which ideas of obtaining, understanding, going, begetting, and so on, are brought together.

The Guardian - Books

Interview questions were formulated based on the obtained understanding.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

We're not saying that recognizing why your waiter, for example, is being rude justifies the behavior, but obtaining understanding and empathy will help us move past the offense.

WikiHow

"To that end I will step up efforts to obtain the understanding of the international community".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision in academic or professional writing, use "obtain understanding" to convey the deliberate acquisition of knowledge or insight through study or investigation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "obtain understanding" might sound overly formal in casual conversation; opt for simpler phrases like "get it" or "understand" for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain understanding" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of acquiring knowledge or comprehension. Ludwig shows various examples where this phrase is used to denote a deliberate effort to gain insight, reinforcing its function as an action-oriented expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtain understanding" is a grammatically sound and valid expression used to describe the process of gaining knowledge or insight. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from diverse sources, including scientific journals, news outlets, and business publications. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "understand", "obtain understanding" carries a formal tone, making it suitable for academic, professional, and technical writing. When aiming for clarity and precision in your writing, particularly in formal contexts, consider using "obtain understanding" to emphasize the active acquisition of knowledge. However, remember to opt for less formal alternatives in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain insight

Focuses on acquiring a deeper, more intuitive comprehension.

acquire knowledge

Emphasizes the accumulation of factual information.

develop comprehension

Highlights the process of gradually increasing one's understanding.

achieve awareness

Suggests a realization or recognition of something.

grasp the meaning

Focuses on understanding the significance or intent.

form an appreciation

Implies developing a sense of value or respect.

cultivate understanding

Highlights a deliberate and ongoing effort to deepen comprehension.

discern the rationale

Focuses on uncovering the logical reasons behind something.

secure clarity

Emphasizes the act of making something clear or well-defined.

foster insight

Implies creating an environment that promotes deeper understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "obtain understanding" to describe the process of gaining comprehension, for example, "Researchers conducted interviews to "obtain understanding" of patient experiences."

What are some alternatives to "obtain understanding"?

Alternatives include "gain insight", "acquire knowledge", or "develop comprehension", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of learning.

Is "obtain understanding" formal or informal?

"Obtain understanding" leans towards the formal side, making it suitable for academic, professional, and technical contexts. For informal situations, simpler terms like "understand" or "get it" are often preferred.

What's the difference between "obtain understanding" and "have understanding"?

"Obtain understanding" implies the action of acquiring comprehension, while "have understanding" describes the state of possessing it. For instance, you might ""obtain understanding"" through research and then "have understanding" of the research findings.