start understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"start understanding" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
In this phrase, the verb "start" functions as an imperative verb indicating that the subject should begin to understand something. For example, you could use the phrase in the sentence, "Let's start understanding the different aspects of sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If we want to understand and conserve life on Earth, we had better start understanding and conserving the arthropods of tropical forests".

Science Magazine

You start understanding something.

The New York Times - Arts

"You'll start understanding what we're talking about".

The New York Times - Magazine

This is as good a place as any to start understanding Trump's victory.

The Guardian

"As a team, we've got to start understanding our defensive principles," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

You start understanding the movie is actually an ode to life itself".

Independent

"They start understanding the nature of the risks involved…where there is damage and perceived liability, the lawsuits will continue".

The Guardian - Sport

If they really want to get to the core of what's happening in Africa, they had better start understanding AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and nitrogen-depleted soil.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you show a concept, people say, 'Uh huh?'; but if you show them a real product then they start understanding.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if you go back and look at those commercials with the beauty of YouTube, then you start understanding how funny those commercials were all over again".

The New York Times

With the first leg of that one only two days away, it's not too soon to start understanding what will happen over the two-legged series and how we might best come away with a win.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start understanding" when you want to emphasize the initial phase of comprehension, suggesting an ongoing process rather than a complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who needs to "start understanding". Instead of "It needs to be started understanding", specify who should begin to understand: "The team needs to start understanding the new procedures."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start understanding" functions as a verb phrase that initiates the process of comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It sets the stage for acquiring knowledge or insight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that signifies the commencement of a comprehension process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its broad applicability spans various contexts, ranging from News & Media to scientific discourse. When writing, prioritize specifying the subject who needs to begin the act of understanding. Though common, related options such as "begin to comprehend" may lend a slightly more formal tone. With a neutral register, this phrase serves well in many communication scenarios, though clarity in application is always key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to comprehend

Replaces "start" with "begin" and "understanding" with the more formal "comprehend".

come to understand

Highlights the eventual arrival at a state of understanding.

develop an understanding

Focuses on the gradual process of acquiring understanding.

gain insight into

Emphasizes the acquisition of a deeper or more profound understanding.

begin to grasp

Uses "grasp" instead of "understand", implying a more intuitive comprehension.

initiate comprehension

Replaces "start" with "initiate", creating a more formal tone.

foster understanding

Shifts the focus to actively encouraging or promoting understanding.

cultivate understanding

Similar to "foster understanding", suggesting a deliberate and ongoing effort.

get a handle on

An informal way to express starting to understand something complex.

become aware of

Focuses on gaining initial awareness, which is a precursor to understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "start understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "start understanding" to indicate the beginning of a process of comprehension, such as: "We need to "start understanding" the complexities of the issue before making a decision."

What's a more formal way to say "start understanding"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "begin to comprehend" or "develop an understanding".

Which is correct: "start understanding" or "begin understanding"?

Both "start understanding" and "begin understanding" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

Is "start to understand" the same as "start understanding"?

While similar, "start to understand" often implies a more gradual or unfolding realization, whereas ""start understanding"" can suggest a more immediate initiation of the process of comprehension.