secure an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure an understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of ensuring that all parties involved have a clear and mutual comprehension of a topic or agreement. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, it's essential to secure an understanding of the goals and expectations from all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

During the Russo-Japanese War (1904 05) he actively combated the plans of Polish revolutionaries especially Józef Piłsudski, to secure an understanding with Japan as a prelude to national insurrection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Obviously, the different effects of curcumin on the various subtypes of HDAC enzymes indicate the necessity of further research to secure an understanding of the exact relationship between curcumin and HDAC expression [ 72].

Clinical Epigenetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"My impression is that we have secured an understanding in the State Department," he said.

The New York Times

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook later said in a statement: "Through direct engagement with Chinese authorities, we have secured an understanding that the Chinese will return the UUV [unmanned underwater vehicle] to the United States".

The Guardian

However, certain sections such as those concerned with the explanation of processes, or expositions that describe a principle at a higher level of abstraction, or competing arguments that justify a claim, are likely to require a deeper probing of the functional structure at the micro level to secure an adequate understanding.

Smart Learning Environments

Ownership and Integration, Strategy and Policy, Guidelines    UNICEF should continue to work with governments, WFP, WHO, IPs, and other stakeholders to secure a common understanding on the most effective means of addressing MAM in order to unify approaches, to strengthen community-based preventive measures, and to prevent SAM and relapses into SAM.

Unicef

It is expected that the triangulation afforded by this design will help secure a more thorough understanding of the potentially complex interplay of factors and issues related to MgSO4 use.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The argument is put forward that securing a shared understanding of development conditions and risks needs to be predicated on creating more robust conditions for interaction and fostering a sounder appreciation of the inter-dependencies of natural processes and governance.

Land Use Policy

On the eve of the International Day of Non-Violence, I find myself ruminating on the latter part of the convention which states the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

Huffington Post

The non-Norwegian parents were assessed to have acceptable Norwegian language skills, but to secure understanding, an interpreter was present in both case discussions, as well as in the interview.

BMC Medical Ethics

In the morning, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Abdullah's foreign minister signed a U.S.-Jordanian Memorandum of Understanding, securing an increase in U.S. assistance to the kingdom from $600 million per year to $1 billion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secure an understanding" when emphasizing the importance of a firm agreement or a mutual grasp of complex information, particularly in formal or business settings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that understanding is automatically achieved after an explanation. Always verify comprehension, especially in crucial agreements, by asking specific questions and encouraging participants to summarize their understanding in their own words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure an understanding" functions as a verb phrase aiming to ensure that all parties involved have a clear grasp of a concept, agreement, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

9%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure an understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression emphasizing the importance of ensuring mutual comprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct for many contexts. It's commonly used in professional, news, and academic settings where a clear grasp of information is crucial. To effectively use this phrase, actively verify understanding through questions and feedback, avoiding assumptions. Alternatives such as "reach a consensus" or "establish common ground", can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a consensus

Implies achieving agreement among multiple parties, focusing on the outcome of mutual understanding.

establish common ground

Highlights the process of finding shared beliefs or opinions to facilitate understanding.

foster mutual comprehension

Emphasizes the development of understanding between two or more parties.

cultivate shared awareness

Suggests nurturing a collective understanding of a particular issue or situation.

ensure mutual agreement

Focuses on guaranteeing that all parties are in agreement and have a shared understanding.

guarantee collective insight

Stresses assuring that everyone involved gains insight together.

promote unified perspective

Highlights encouraging a single, shared view or interpretation.

facilitate collective comprehension

Emphasizes making it easier for everyone to understand something together.

obtain a clear grasp

Focuses on gaining a thorough and unambiguous understanding of a subject.

develop a strong appreciation

Implies cultivating a deep and informed understanding of something.

FAQs

How can I use "secure an understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "secure an understanding" when you want to emphasize the need to ensure that all parties have a clear grasp of a concept or agreement. For example: "It is crucial to secure an understanding of the project requirements before beginning development."

What can I say instead of "secure an understanding"?

Alternatives to "secure an understanding" include "reach a consensus", "establish common ground", or "foster mutual comprehension", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "secure an understanding" or "ensure an understanding"?

Both "secure an understanding" and "ensure an understanding" are correct, but "secure" implies a proactive effort to guarantee comprehension, while "ensure" suggests a more passive confirmation. The best choice depends on the intended nuance.

What does it mean to "secure an understanding" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, to "secure an understanding" means to ensure that all parties involved have a clear and mutual comprehension of the terms, conditions, and objectives being discussed. This involves active listening, clarifying ambiguities, and confirming agreements to avoid future misunderstandings.