strong understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'strong understanding of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an individual having a thorough and sound knowledge or insight of a particular subject or concept. For example, "He has a strong understanding of physics, which helps him excel in his studies".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, she recommends a good Spanish dictionary and a strong understanding of idiomatic usage.

The New York Times - Tech

I gained a strong understanding of butchery and the patience to cook seasonally.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That gave me a strong understanding of what's the best fit for me," he says.

Harvard Business Review

A strong understanding of your finances is an important first step on the path to homeownership.

The Washington Post

Jo has a strong understanding of the current security requirements and likely future challenges facing relief and development organisations.

The Guardian

"We believe Soul's team has excellent creative credentials as well as a strong understanding of British consumers".

The Guardian

It surveys a broad span of time and is characterised throughout by a strong understanding of economics.

The Guardian - Books

"She possesses a strong understanding of the legislative process and the issues of concern for New Jersey families".

The New York Times

It certainly helps while picking aides at such a speedy clip to have a strong understanding of the big boss.

The New York Times

First, we need to have a strong understanding of the physical processes involved in the extreme weather event.

The Guardian

They also had demonstrated sound decision making and impartiality, and a strong understanding of the community, he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing expertise, follow "strong understanding of" with specific areas of knowledge to showcase competence. For example: "a strong understanding of data analytics".

Common error

Avoid using "strong understanding of" when describing basic or introductory knowledge. Reserve it for situations where a deep and nuanced comprehension is genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong understanding of" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high level of comprehension or knowledge. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it frequently precedes a subject area, such as "economics", "teacher training", or "macroeconomic drivers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong understanding of" is a prevalent and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a high degree of knowledge or comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for diverse contexts, with primary usage in news, academic, and business domains. While alternatives such as "deep comprehension of" and "thorough grasp of" exist, "strong understanding of" remains a versatile and widely recognized expression for conveying expertise. Remember to use it accurately, reflecting a genuine depth of knowledge and competence to prevent overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep comprehension of

Emphasizes the thoroughness and depth of understanding.

thorough grasp of

Focuses on complete and firm understanding.

solid knowledge of

Highlights the reliability and firmness of the knowledge.

profound insight into

Stresses a deeper, more perceptive understanding.

keen awareness of

Highlights a sharp and alert understanding.

extensive familiarity with

Emphasizes broad and comprehensive knowledge.

astute perception of

Highlights insightful and clever understanding.

comprehensive command of

Focuses on the ability to control and utilize knowledge effectively.

substantial expertise in

Emphasizes a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.

detailed appreciation of

Focuses on recognizing and understanding the nuances and complexities.

FAQs

How can I use "strong understanding of" in a sentence?

You can use "strong understanding of" to describe someone's expertise or knowledge in a particular area. For example, "She has a "strong understanding of" financial markets".

What are some alternatives to "strong understanding of"?

Alternatives include "deep comprehension of", "thorough grasp of", or "solid knowledge of", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "strong understanding of" in formal writing?

Yes, "strong understanding of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic and professional contexts. However, ensure the level of understanding truly warrants the adjective "strong".

What's the difference between "strong understanding of" and "basic knowledge of"?

"Strong understanding of" implies a comprehensive and nuanced grasp of a subject, while "basic knowledge of" suggests only a foundational awareness. Use "strong understanding of" when describing expertise, and "basic knowledge of" for introductory familiarity.