possess a preliminary notion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possess a preliminary notion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's initial understanding or idea about a subject before gaining more detailed knowledge. Example: "Before diving into the complex theories, it's important to possess a preliminary notion of the basic concepts involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nonetheless, a preliminary notion of diagnostic benefits of fMRI over MRI has been suggested by Yetkin et al [ 28].

European Radiology

To develop a preliminary notion of the proteins secreted by A. niger during growth on SB, we ran the proteins from the supernatant of a 24-hour culture on a polyacrylamide gel (data not shown).

Biotechnology for Biofuels

The abstract Wiener space, unlike the classical Wiener space, does not possess a natural notion of time.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Psychologists have found that at two months old, babies possess a primitive notion of objects that they expect to move as connected wholes.

MIT Technology Review

We do possess a notion of distal volume of a sound.

SEP

France, for example, possesses a strong notion of a national, secular identity that was forged in the French Revolution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Core Studio IIntroduction to fundamental concepts of architectural design and representation, including preliminary notions of site, program, and context.

Cornell University

The Tribunal, however, didn't exercise jurisdiction on all of the Philippines' arguments against China, opting to cover 7 items while leaving the rest for either clarification or further consideration since they "do not possess an exclusively preliminary character".

Huffington Post

These findings, while preliminary, implied that C. elegans RPGs possess a unique system of regulation, and that their genomic environment contains numerous specific elements.

BMC Genomics

This observed odd even effect is consistent with the notion that conventional micelles possess a core of randomly arranged surfactant hydrocarbon tails.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

Americans neither possess any intrinsic notion of what constitutes justice, nor have we adequately adjudicated it through policy or culture.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possess a preliminary notion of" when you want to convey that someone has a basic or initial understanding of a subject, but not a deep or detailed knowledge. It is suitable for introducing a topic before delving into specifics.

Common error

Avoid using "possess a preliminary notion of" when the understanding is more advanced or comprehensive. Choose a phrase that better reflects the depth of knowledge, such as "have a solid understanding of" or "possess a thorough grasp of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess a preliminary notion of" functions as a verb phrase complement, describing the state of having a basic or initial understanding. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. It indicates that someone holds a tentative or incomplete concept.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Encyclopedias

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possess a preliminary notion of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe having an initial or basic understanding of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While examples are limited, the phrase appears in diverse sources, including scientific articles, news reports, and encyclopedias. It is best used in formal contexts to introduce a topic or acknowledge a basic level of awareness before providing more in-depth information. Alternatives include "have a basic understanding of" or "hold an initial concept of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a basic understanding of

Focuses on understanding rather than possession of an idea.

hold an initial concept of

Replaces "notion" with "concept" and "possess" with "hold".

entertain a tentative idea of

Emphasizes the tentative nature of the idea.

have a rudimentary grasp of

Highlights the rudimentary or basic level of understanding.

form a preliminary idea about

Uses "idea" instead of "notion" and emphasizes the formation of the idea.

develop a basic sense of

Suggests a gradual development of understanding.

gain a superficial knowledge of

Emphasizes the superficial level of knowledge.

acquire a fleeting awareness of

Highlights the brief and passing nature of the awareness.

conceive a vague impression of

Stresses the vague and imprecise nature of the impression.

get an inkling of

Informal way to describe a slight idea or suspicion about something.

FAQs

How can I use "possess a preliminary notion of" in a sentence?

You can use "possess a preliminary notion of" to indicate an initial understanding or basic concept of something. For example: "Before diving into the complex theories, it's important to possess a preliminary notion of the basic concepts involved."

What are some alternatives to "possess a preliminary notion of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have a basic understanding of", "hold an initial concept of", or "entertain a tentative idea of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "possess a preliminary notion of" something?

To "possess a preliminary notion of" something means to have an initial or basic understanding of it, without necessarily having in-depth knowledge or expertise.

Is "possess a preliminary notion of" formal or informal?

The phrase "possess a preliminary notion of" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, you might prefer simpler alternatives like "have a basic idea of" or "get an inkling of".