understand better

USAGE SUMMARY

"understand better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that someone should gain a deeper understanding of something. For example, "By researching the topic more thoroughly, you may be able to understand better the implications of the policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They kind of understand better".

The New York Times

They're starting to understand better and better".

The New York Times

To understand better what is happening, they need more data.

The Economist

"I just understand better how to fill it out.

The New York Times

"They understand better how Dutch society works," he said.

The New Yorker

"I now understand better what goes on there.

The New York Times

What I'd like to understand better is why it's changed.

The New Yorker

Health professionals understand better than ever what we are treating.

The Guardian

"We can market more efficiently, because we understand better".

The New York Times

It's something we need civilians to understand better.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm giving her a scenario to understand better the situation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understand better" to show progress in comprehension, implying that initial understanding was incomplete. It's useful when comparing current understanding to a previous state.

Common error

Don't use "understand better" if there was no prior understanding. Instead, use "understand" to indicate the initial acquisition of knowledge. For example, say "I want to understand this concept" instead of "I want to understand this concept better" if you're starting from scratch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understand better" functions as a verb phrase indicating an improved state of comprehension. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it used to express enhanced insight or knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

46%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understand better" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate an improved state of comprehension. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. With a neutral register, it fits both formal and informal communication. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in expressing enhanced insight or knowledge. While the phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science", it is also present in formal business contexts. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a previous state of understanding, which then improved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain a clearer understanding

Highlights the improvement in clarity of understanding.

get a better grasp of

Focuses on obtaining a firm understanding.

develop a better insight

Suggests gaining a new and improved perspective.

achieve a deeper understanding

Emphasizes the process of reaching a more profound level of understanding.

grasp more fully

Emphasizes a complete and thorough understanding.

comprehend more deeply

Focuses on understanding at a profound level.

form a clearer picture of

Suggests developing a more distinct and understandable mental image.

appreciate more fully

Implies a deeper recognition and understanding of value or significance.

become more aware of

Highlights increasing consciousness and knowledge.

have a better handle on

Indicates a more confident and capable understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "understand better" in a sentence?

You can use "understand better" to indicate an improvement in comprehension, as in "After reading the article, I "understand better" the complexities of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "understand better"?

Alternatives include "grasp more fully", "comprehend more deeply", or "gain a clearer understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "better" with "understand"?

No, using "better" isn't always necessary. If you're referring to gaining initial comprehension, simply use "understand". Use ""understand better"" only when indicating an improvement or deeper comprehension compared to a previous state.

How does "understand better" differ from "have a better understanding"?

"Understand better" typically refers to an action or process of improving one's understanding, while "have a better understanding" refers to the state of possessing improved knowledge or comprehension. For example: "I need to study more to "understand better" the material" vs. "After studying, I "have a better understanding" of the material".