substantial understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial understanding" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a broad or thorough understanding of a concept, for example: "In order to succeed in this field, you need a substantial understanding of the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

As approximately one-third of the terrestrial surface is arid or semi-arid land, and BSC cover can be substantial, understanding the dynamics of nitrification mediated by crust microbes has relevance to the global N-cycle.

Ecological Processes

A more substantial understanding of electronics serves well to understand the microcomputer.

Apple I Replica Creation Back to the Garage

Everyone now has a much deeper and more substantial understanding about concussions, and how to prevent and manage them, than they did 20 or even 10 years ago".

The Economist

BMW engineers say they have acquired substantial understanding of how to make the motor work best with the battery array, which would be a competitive advantage.

The New York Times

In turn, test users should have a substantial understanding of the technical and administrative test requirements and the system requirements for test takers (ITC 2006, p. 148, 2005a, p. 15).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

However, to obtain internal information on the general commercial FEA codes (e.g., MSC.NASTRAN, ANSYS, and ABAQUS), a substantial understanding of the codes and additional post-processing work is required.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This also implies that even a few dB of elevated SRT in HI listeners can cause substantial problems understanding speech compared to NH listeners.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Hermann von Helmholtz made substantial contributions to understanding the mechanisms of hearing and to the psychophysics of sound and music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The connection between cocaine and novelty/habituation may have substantial importance for understanding cocaine effects.

Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

We live in an era of substantial progress in understanding myocardial structure and function at genetic, molecular, and microscopic levels.

Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery: Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Annual

Recently many researchers have focused substantial efforts on understanding the cutting process in mechanics, capability and design.

CIRP Annals

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantial understanding" to emphasize a significant level of comprehension, rather than a superficial awareness. For instance, in technical fields, it highlights a necessary depth of knowledge.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "substantial understanding" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "good understanding" or "solid grasp" when communicating informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial understanding" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "understanding". It indicates a significant degree or level of comprehension. Ludwig examples show its use in various academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

84%

News & Media

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial understanding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily within scientific and news contexts. It indicates a significant degree of knowledge or comprehension. While interchangeable with phrases like "thorough grasp" or "deep comprehension", it carries a formal tone best suited for academic or professional settings. Remembering this distinction will help ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep comprehension

Emphasizes the depth of understanding rather than the breadth or amount.

thorough grasp

Focuses on the completeness and firmness of understanding.

comprehensive knowledge

Highlights the breadth and scope of the knowledge.

profound insight

Stresses the depth of understanding and perception.

extensive familiarity

Indicates a broad and detailed acquaintance with a subject.

considerable expertise

Points to a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.

significant awareness

Highlights a notable level of consciousness and understanding.

solid foundation

Emphasizes the stability and reliability of the understanding.

detailed insight

Stresses the level of detail within the understanding.

broad perspective

Focuses on a wide-ranging and inclusive understanding.

FAQs

What does "substantial understanding" mean?

The phrase "substantial understanding" refers to a significant, thorough, or considerable level of comprehension of a particular subject, concept, or situation. It implies more than just a basic or superficial awareness.

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

You can use "substantial understanding" to describe someone's knowledge or comprehension. For example, "The engineer has a "thorough grasp" of thermodynamics", or "A "solid foundation" in mathematics is essential for this course".

What are some alternatives to "substantial understanding"?

Alternatives to "substantial understanding" include "deep comprehension", "thorough grasp", or "comprehensive knowledge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "substantial understanding" or "good understanding"?

Both "substantial understanding" and "good understanding" are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Substantial understanding" implies a greater depth and breadth of knowledge than "good understanding", which is more general.