quest to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

"quest to understand" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone is on a mission to gain knowledge or insight. For example, "The scientist embarked on an ambitious quest to understand the inner workings of the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Historical examination of the quest to understand human society scientifically.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"This intellectual quest to understand the universe really defines us as human beings," he said.

The New York Times - Science

But this quest to understand the world is what defines us as human beings".

The New York Times

Read Michael Specter's features on geo-engineering and the quest to understand the placebo effect.

The New Yorker

Wright's life was a quest to understand -- to assign meaning to -- these formative deprivations.

The New York Times - Books

Maybe it's just a quest to understand women who are sometimes inscrutable," he says.

The Guardian - Film

"Roger was on a personal quest to understand him, I think".

The New York Times - Magazine

Iris's quest to understand her own origins, however, never takes on the same urgency.

The New York Times - Books

But in the quest to understand dementia, it could mean a potential lifetime.

The Guardian

At the root of these pilgrimages seems to be a quest to understand permanence and transience.

The Guardian - Books

Adam Gopnik visited several scientists in his quest to understand how our brains listen to music.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quest to understand" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and sustained effort to gain knowledge or insight into a complex subject.

Common error

Avoid using "quest to understand" in situations where a simpler phrase like "trying to understand" or "learning about" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when describing a significant or challenging pursuit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quest to understand" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a dedicated and sustained effort to gain knowledge or insight. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quest to understand" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a determined pursuit of knowledge. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is acceptable in written English and can be used to describe someone on a mission to gain insight. With 59 real-world examples, it's clear that the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources. When writing, use "quest to understand" when you wish to emphasize the sustained, challenging, and perhaps even adventurous nature of the search for knowledge. Consider alternatives like "desire to understand" or "pursuit to understand" if you want to convey a similar meaning with a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quest for understanding

Changes "to understand" into a noun phrase "for understanding".

desire to understand

Replaces "quest" with a general term for wanting to understand.

pursuit to understand

Substitutes "quest" with "pursuit", emphasizing the act of seeking understanding.

endeavor to understand

Replaces "quest" with "endeavor", highlighting the effort involved.

search to understand

Swaps "quest" for "search", focusing on the investigative nature.

journey to understanding

Emphasizes the progressive nature of gaining understanding over time.

ambition to understand

Highlights the aspirational aspect of wanting to understand.

striving to understand

Emphasizes the continuous effort in gaining understanding.

yearning to understand

Indicates a deep longing and emotional drive for understanding.

eagerness to understand

Highlights the enthusiasm and keenness for understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "quest to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "quest to understand" to describe a long and difficult search for knowledge. For example, "The scientist embarked on a lifelong "quest to understand" the origins of the universe."

What phrases are similar to "quest to understand"?

Similar phrases include "desire to understand", "pursuit to understand", and "search to understand". All suggest a strong effort to gain knowledge.

Is "quest to understand" formal or informal?

"Quest to understand" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in formal writing and speech due to its slightly elevated tone compared to alternatives like "trying to understand."

What's the difference between "quest to understand" and "attempt to understand"?

"Quest to understand" implies a more prolonged, dedicated, and perhaps even adventurous effort, while "attempt to understand" simply refers to any try or effort to gain knowledge.