our understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

'our understanding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an understanding or agreement that you and someone else have. For example, "Our understanding was that the project was to be completed by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our understanding is just beginning.

The New Yorker

"Our understanding is just exploding".

The New York Times - Science

"That's certainly not our understanding".

The New Yorker

"This moves our understanding forward considerably".

The New York Times - Science

"Our understanding of that is changing".

The New York Times

"We're here also to share our understanding".

The New York Times

It's just enhanced our understanding of it".

The New York Times - Science

What does it add to our understanding?

The Guardian

"Additional research would improve our understanding of the issue".

The New York Times

Our understanding of behaviour-modifying parasites is in its infancy.

The Guardian

"That's our understanding," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "our understanding", ensure the context clearly indicates who "our" refers to, especially in formal writing. For example, specify "the team's understanding" instead of just "our understanding".

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares "our understanding" without explicitly stating or confirming it. Clearly articulate the understanding to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "our" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "understanding". It refers to a collective or shared comprehension, agreement, or perception of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our understanding" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express a shared comprehension or agreement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who "our" refers to and avoid assuming universal agreement without explicit confirmation. Ludwig's examples highlight its widespread use across authoritative sources, making it a valuable addition to one's writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our comprehension

Focuses on the mental process of grasping something, rather than the shared agreement aspect.

our knowledge

Emphasizes the information possessed, not necessarily the shared agreement or interpretation.

our interpretation

Highlights a specific way of explaining the meaning of something, and not necessarily an objective understanding.

our view

Indicates a particular perspective or opinion, which may not be a complete understanding.

our perception

Refers to sensory input and initial interpretation, rather than a deeper understanding.

our awareness

Suggests a general consciousness or recognition, not necessarily a comprehensive understanding.

our perspective

Highlights a particular point of view, which shapes how something is understood.

our interpretation of the matter

A more explicit way to refer a specific subject and the particular interpretation of it.

our take on this

An informal way to refer to a more personal interpretation of something.

our position

Emphasizes a formal or official stance, rather than a comprehensive grasp.

FAQs

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

Use "our understanding" to refer to a shared comprehension or agreement. For example, "Our understanding is that the project will be completed by Friday."

What is a more formal way to express "our understanding"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "our interpretation" or "our comprehension" to maintain a professional tone.

How does "our understanding" differ from "our opinion"?

"Our understanding" implies a shared comprehension of facts or concepts, while "our opinion" reflects a shared belief or judgment that may not be based on objective facts.

What are some alternatives to "our understanding" in informal contexts?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "our take on this" or "our view" to express a shared perspective or interpretation.