preliminary understandings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary understandings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to initial insights or agreements that are not yet finalized or fully developed. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, let's discuss our preliminary understandings to ensure we are all on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"My own expectation is that even after Baghdad, we will only see the most preliminary understandings, and we will hear again people saying we are giving up too much.

The New York Times

By mining digital traces of code collaboration, and by uncovering the social structure of the OpenStack Nova project, the computerized SNA revealed key preliminary understandings of coopetition in the OpenStack ecosystem that were later re-investigated with complementary qualitative data.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

In this process among the authors, some of the initial topics were excluded based on the authors' preliminary understandings of 'ethical challenge' and 'dealing with.' Some of these examples will be discussed in the Discussion section.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sometimes a single person or group is responsible for both, such as when Archimedes observed some data (water spilling out of his bathtub) and developed a preliminary understanding of a new theory, hydrostatics.

The New Yorker

Not the thing itself Mr. Grning is not so vain as to suppose that a movie can provide a religious experience but a preliminary understanding of its shape and weight.

The New York Times

Today's deal, which follows a preliminary understanding a year ago, appears to resolve the dispute between CNOOC and Sinopec over control of the gas fields in the Xihu Trough, but will probably contribute to another competition.

The New York Times

Notwithstanding, our data contribute a preliminary understanding of this population to the research literature.

Progress in Orthodontics

Section 3 presents the preliminary understanding and approach to detecting recaptured videos.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

These experiments enable a preliminary understanding about the mechanisms underlying the separation process.

Chemical Engineering Science

In this investigation a preliminary understanding of the physical structure of these dendrimer-based nanocomposites was sought.

Polymer

This dataset is used to contribute preliminary understanding of dialog acts distribution and conversation flow in this dialog space.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "preliminary understandings" with phrases indicating ongoing analysis or investigation, such as "based on initial data" or "subject to further review".

Common error

Avoid presenting "preliminary understandings" as definitive conclusions. Ensure your language reflects the tentative nature of the insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary understandings" functions as a noun phrase, where "preliminary" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "understandings". It describes the state of comprehension or agreements being in an initial or early stage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preliminary understandings" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe initial or early stages of comprehension or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to convey that the current understanding is not yet complete and may evolve. To avoid overstating certainty, it's crucial to ensure the language reflects the tentative nature of these insights. Alternative phrases like "initial grasp" or "early insights" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preliminary agreements

Highlights initial nature of the agreements.

initial interpretations

Highlights that these are the initial way of understanding

initial grasp

Focuses on the very first stage of comprehension.

early insights

Highlights the initial discoveries or perspectives.

basic comprehension

Emphasizes the fundamental level of understanding achieved.

rudimentary knowledge

Indicates a simple or undeveloped level of information.

foundational knowledge

Highlights that this is the basis for more complex knowledge

tentative agreements

Stresses the provisional nature of the agreed-upon points.

first impressions

Focuses on the initial feelings or perceptions derived from something.

working assumptions

Emphasizes that the understandings are for now and can change.

FAQs

What does "preliminary understandings" mean?

The phrase "preliminary understandings" refers to the initial or early stages of comprehension or agreement regarding a topic. It suggests that the understanding is not yet complete or fully developed and may be subject to change or refinement.

How can I use "preliminary understandings" in a sentence?

You might use "preliminary understandings" to describe an initial grasp of a complex subject: "Based on our preliminary understandings, we believe the project is feasible, but further research is needed."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary understandings"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "initial grasp", "early insights", or "basic comprehension" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "preliminary understandings"?

Use "preliminary understandings" when you want to emphasize that your current level of knowledge or agreement is tentative and subject to further development or revision, particularly in academic, scientific, or business contexts.