patchy understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patchy understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone's knowledge or comprehension of a subject is incomplete or inconsistent. Example: "Despite studying the material, she still had a patchy understanding of the complex theories involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Scientists have only a patchy understanding of the steps in between.

The New York Times - Science

They did this, Mr Bové explained, not only because burgers are a disgusting expression of American culinary imperialism but also in protest at "what the WTO and the big companies want to do with the world".Quite a lot of us derive our patchy understanding of globalisation from such well-publicised high jinks.

The Economist

The report also noted a "patchy" understanding within law enforcement of the dynamics and impact of coercive control, a pattern of intimidating and domineering behavior that is often a key part of an abusive relationship.

Vice

Yet the current patchy understanding of radioactive fracking waste's fate in the environment precludes making good decisions about its management.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Much of our understanding of colonization of patchy habitats is derived from studies in which colonizing fauna respond strongly to biotic stimuli.

Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology

Data on the interaction of neurons with glial cells in the context of ALS are still patchy, but there is a growing understanding that non-neuronal cells have a fundamental role to play in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases [ 119].

BMC Genomics

We understand a lot about how phylogenetic inferences work, but our understanding of how tree inference from patchy data works is still in its infancy.

BMC Biology

However, miscommunication is no longer just a failed attempt at understanding but a conspiracy of patchy hotspots, dwindling batteries, and expended data plans.

Vice

Our current understanding of this picture is very patchy.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

There is even less understanding of microorganisms and only limited and patchy knowledge of zooplankton; research on zooplankton ecology has increased recently, but is not yet finding its way into OBIS.

Plosone

Our findings provide valuable insights in understanding the eco-hydrological processes of deep-rooted patchy vegetation.

CATENA

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "patchy understanding", clarify which specific aspects are not fully understood to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "patchy understanding" when there's no understanding at all. "Patchy understanding" indicates some level of comprehension, even if incomplete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patchy understanding" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "patchy" modifies the noun "understanding". It describes the quality of the understanding as being incomplete or inconsistent. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patchy understanding" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an incomplete or inconsistent comprehension of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans both scientific and journalistic contexts. While not overwhelmingly common, the phrase is suitable for conveying that knowledge is fragmented and requires further development. The primary contexts of use are News & Media and Science, with a neutral register lending it to various forms of communication. When using "patchy understanding", ensure that you provide specific context about the areas that lack understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spotty awareness

Similar to patchy, emphasizing the inconsistent nature of understanding.

incomplete grasp

Emphasizes the lack of completeness in comprehension.

fragmented knowledge

Highlights the scattered and disjointed nature of the knowledge.

limited comprehension

Focuses on the restricted scope of understanding.

hazy awareness

Suggests a vague and unclear level of understanding.

superficial knowledge

Indicates a lack of depth in understanding.

rudimentary understanding

Implies a basic or elementary level of comprehension.

tenuous grasp

Suggests a weak and uncertain understanding.

imperfect knowledge

Highlights the presence of flaws or gaps in understanding.

scant knowledge

Underlines that the level of knowledge is not only partial but also very limited.

FAQs

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

You can use "patchy understanding" to describe someone's incomplete knowledge of a subject. For example: "Despite reading several articles, he still had a "patchy understanding" of the topic".

What is a good alternative to "patchy understanding"?

Alternatives include "incomplete grasp", "fragmented knowledge", or "limited comprehension", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "patchy understanding"?

Yes, "patchy understanding" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe an incomplete or inconsistent understanding of something.

What does "patchy understanding" imply about the level of knowledge?

It suggests that the knowledge is not comprehensive or complete, but rather has gaps or areas where understanding is lacking or inconsistent. It is not necessarily the same as having no understanding at all.