poor understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'poor understanding' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has limited comprehension or knowledge. For example: They showed a poor understanding of the concept.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is also one that polarises opinion and is rife with misinformation and poor understanding.

The Guardian

Both arguments show a poor understanding of what a party is.

The New Yorker

There is poor understanding of these issues and a lot of hostility and discrimination.

The Guardian

"I think it shows a rather poor understanding of the value of science".

The Guardian

Fourth, many adolescents have poor understanding of how contraceptive methods work and use them incorrectly.

The Guardian

These questions have relevance but they demonstrate poor understanding of sanctions as a foreign policy instrument.

The Guardian - Opinion

The poor understanding by young men of what rape is all about worries me.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, there remains a poor understanding of the full characteristics of pore systems in shales.

Nature

This, in turn, originates from a poor understanding of the genetic composition of M. kansasii.

Nature

The first has to do with a poor understanding of statistics.

The New York Times - Magazine

First, they show a poor understanding of Italian politics in general, and M5S in particular.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing reasons for failures or mistakes, "poor understanding" can be used to politely attribute the issue to a lack of knowledge or comprehension rather than deliberate negligence. For example, instead of saying "They failed because they didn't care," you can say "They failed due to a "poor understanding" of the requirements."

Common error

While "poor understanding" is a valid explanation, be specific about what aspect was misunderstood. Instead of stating "The project failed due to "poor understanding"," clarify "The project failed due to a "poor understanding" of the market dynamics and customer needs."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor understanding" functions primarily as a noun phrase that acts as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a lack of comprehension or knowledge regarding a particular subject or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English and denotes limited comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poor understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase denoting a lack of comprehension or knowledge. As Ludwig AI validates, it's a versatile expression applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it with specificity, avoiding it as a blanket explanation. Alternatives like "limited comprehension" or "inadequate grasp" may be suitable in formal settings. Ultimately, understanding its purpose and context ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawed understanding

Similar to "poor understanding", but emphasizes the presence of errors.

limited comprehension

Focuses on the extent of understanding, suggesting it's restricted.

inadequate grasp

Emphasizes the lack of a firm hold on the subject matter.

imperfect comprehension

Stresses that the understanding isn't fully complete or accurate.

deficient knowledge

Highlights the absence of necessary information or awareness.

insufficient insight

Points to a lack of depth in understanding.

weak knowledge

Highlights the weakness of the knowledge on a specific topic.

shallow knowledge

Indicates a superficial level of understanding without depth.

limited awareness

Focuses on the lack of knowledge or consciousness about a topic.

faulty perception

Suggests an incorrect or distorted view of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "poor understanding" in a formal context?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "limited comprehension", "inadequate grasp", or "deficient knowledge" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

Is "poor understanding of" grammatically correct?

Yes, "poor understanding of" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a lack of comprehension regarding a specific subject or topic. For example, "He has a "poor understanding" of the project requirements."

What are some less formal ways to say "poor understanding"?

In informal contexts, you might use phrases like "doesn't get it", "is clueless about", or "has no idea about" to convey a similar meaning as "poor understanding" but in a more casual way.

How does "poor understanding" differ from "misunderstanding"?

"Poor understanding" implies a general lack of comprehension or knowledge, while "misunderstanding" suggests a specific instance of incorrect interpretation. "Poor understanding" is a broader state, whereas "misunderstanding" is a specific event.