personal understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"personal understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to refer to one's own interpretation or understanding of something, such as a situation or concept. For example, "My personal understanding of the issue is that there are several different ways to approach it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were identified by key persons within the ecosystem, personal understanding of the Waterloo social network, and coverage in multiple publications.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

You might be surprised at how it can open pathways inside yourself to greater personal understanding, especially for a person with many self-perceived sensitivities.

WikiHow

Some of these leaders have a deeply personal understanding of what is at stake.

The New Yorker

Many directly link their unveiling with the revolution and their personal understanding of freedom.

The New York Times

The novel describes the growth of their friendship and Smith's groping toward personal understanding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Myers-Briggs can represent a quantum leap in your own personal understanding of your strengths and your potential".

The New York Times

The victory left Ms. Lipstadt with an unusually personal understanding of the vagaries of English libel law.

The New York Times - Arts

He took a keen interest, and had a deep personal understanding. he is going to be greatly missed".

The Guardian

He also took part in a reading group as he found that his personal understanding of the war was changing.

The New Yorker

It turns out that Todd Robinson has a personal understanding of the ways policemen suffer from what they do.

The New Yorker

For example, is it based on his interpretation of the Constitution or perhaps a personal understanding of when life commences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personal understanding" to emphasize a unique or subjective interpretation of a concept, event, or situation. This highlights the individual's perspective and differentiates it from a general or objective viewpoint.

Common error

While "personal understanding" is widely accepted, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing when a more objective or evidence-based analysis is expected. Instead, supplement your "personal understanding" with verifiable facts and data to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal understanding" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes an individual's subjective comprehension or interpretation of a subject, concept, or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "personal understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights an individual's subjective interpretation or comprehension of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English writing. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from News & Media to scientific discourse, reflecting its broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously in formal contexts, ensuring it is supported by verifiable facts and data. Alternatives such as "personal insight" and "individual comprehension" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively leverage "personal understanding" to enrich their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal insight

Emphasizes the depth and clarity of one's understanding, implying a more profound level of comprehension.

personal interpretation

Directly relates to how someone explains something based on his or her understanding.

individual comprehension

Highlights the unique and subjective nature of understanding, focusing on the individual's perspective.

subjective interpretation

Focuses on the personal viewpoint influencing the understanding, highlighting its potential bias or uniqueness.

individual perspective

Refers to a specific view that somebody has and this could be different from others.

private interpretation

Underscores the personal and potentially unspoken nature of the understanding.

intimate knowledge

Suggests a very deep and thorough "personal understanding" due to closeness and a long-term relationship with the subject.

own perception

Highlights how personal viewpoints affect interpretation.

intuitive grasp

Emphasizes the instinctive or immediate nature of the understanding, suggesting a natural inclination.

gut feeling

Conveys a feeling that somebody has about something, that is not always based on logical thinking, but on his or her experience.

FAQs

How can I express "personal understanding" differently?

Consider using phrases like "personal insight", "individual comprehension", or "subjective interpretation" to convey similar meanings with nuanced emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "personal understanding" in academic writing?

Yes, but sparingly. While expressing your "personal understanding" can demonstrate critical thinking, ensure it's supported by evidence and presented as an interpretation rather than an objective truth. Always cite sources and acknowledge alternative viewpoints.

What's the difference between "personal understanding" and "common knowledge"?

"Personal understanding" refers to an individual's interpretation or comprehension, while "common knowledge" is information generally known and accepted by a wide audience. "Common knowledge" doesn't require citation, while "personal understanding" often benefits from supporting evidence.

How does experience influence "personal understanding"?

Experience significantly shapes "personal understanding" by providing context, examples, and emotional connections that inform an individual's interpretation. Different experiences can lead to vastly different "personal understanding", even of the same event.