to build understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to build understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of fostering comprehension or knowledge about a particular topic or between individuals. Example: "The workshop aims to build understanding between different cultural groups through open dialogue and shared experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

First, we need to build understanding.

Huffington Post

They provide the coverage needed to begin to build understanding.

Huffington Post

The British Council brought this production to the US (starting at DC's Shakespeare Theatre, then The Guthrie in Minneapolis) to build understanding.

Huffington Post

When not writing, Tria co-runs the volunteer organization Make America Dinner Again, and has appeared on NPR, BBC, ABC, Mother Jones, etc to discuss and model how to build understanding across political lines.

Huffington Post

The Our Whole Lives (OWL) Curriculum [ 56], was designed: "to advance communication about sexuality and help participants address their own needs … ; to promote safer sexual practices; to build understanding of healthy sexual relationships and activities; … [and] to help participants accept, understand, and affirm their own sexuality…(p.

BMC Women's Health

I have worked most of my personal and professional life to build understanding, eliminate bias based on cultural and ethnic differences, to live transparently so people can understand the impact of race and culture and class.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The issue of taking children's values into account but also of helping them to build understandings of wider contested societal values can be addressed by studying the process by which children design and change games affording such experiences.

International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction

To help build understanding of digital media within the business, the company has already been running a series of informal, cross-departmental sessions called Let's Talk Digital.

The Guardian

The portal aims to enhance transparency, build understanding and provide decision support for child welfare practitioners and policymakers.

Huffington Post

Consensus was reached that research must be promoted to build on understanding the different needs faced by women during and after a disaster.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

But he envisions the scholarship as a chance to build mutual understanding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to build understanding", consider specifying the subject or area where understanding is being developed to provide more context for the reader. For example, "to build understanding of climate change" is more specific than simply "to build understanding".

Common error

Avoid using "to build understanding" without a clear object or context. Vague usage can weaken the impact of your writing. Always specify what needs to be understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to build understanding" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically introduces a clause that explains the reason for an action, aiming to foster comprehension or knowledge. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Social Media

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to build understanding" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression aimed at fostering comprehension and knowledge across diverse fields. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and versatile phrase suitable for expressing the purpose of various actions. With a strong presence in news, scientific, and business contexts, "to build understanding" effectively conveys the intention of promoting clarity and insight. When using this phrase, remember to specify the subject of understanding to avoid vagueness. For alternatives, consider options like "to foster comprehension" or "to develop insight", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to foster comprehension

This alternative focuses on the active encouragement and development of understanding.

to develop insight

This suggests a deeper level of understanding that goes beyond basic knowledge.

to cultivate awareness

This highlights the gradual growth of understanding over time.

to promote knowledge

This focuses on the dissemination and advancement of understanding.

to enhance perception

This alternative emphasizes improving the ability to perceive and understand.

to construct meaning

This highlights the active process of creating understanding.

to create awareness

This emphasizes the act of making people conscious or informed.

to generate insight

This focuses on the production of a deeper understanding.

to encourage learning

This promotes the process of gaining knowledge and understanding.

to facilitate comprehension

This highlights the act of making understanding easier.

FAQs

How can I use "to build understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "to build understanding" to describe efforts aimed at fostering comprehension. For example, "The workshop aims to build understanding between different cultural groups".

What are some alternatives to "to build understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "to foster comprehension", "to develop insight", or "to cultivate awareness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "build understanding" instead of "to build understanding"?

While "build understanding" can be used in certain contexts, using "to build understanding" is generally more grammatically appropriate when expressing purpose or intention.

What is the difference between "to build understanding" and "to gain understanding"?

"To build understanding" implies an active effort to create or foster comprehension, whereas "to gain understanding" suggests receiving or acquiring comprehension. The former is about facilitating knowledge in others, while the latter is about personal learning.