understanding is incomplete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understanding is incomplete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where knowledge or comprehension is lacking or insufficient. Example: "After reviewing the material, I realized that my understanding is incomplete, and I need to do further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Bishop and Anderson (1990), Demastes-Southerland, Settlage, and Good (1995), Lord and Marino (1993), and Sinatra et al. (2003) have found similar results, each concluding that the interface between belief and understanding is incomplete, and one may understand regardless of belief.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

This scientific understanding is incomplete, and there remain significant uncertainties about the precise magnitudes, timing, and dangers of climate change.

The Guardian

While discussions around self-publishing so often concentrate on the mouth-watering sales of the headliners, it's important to bear in mind that our understanding is incomplete.

The Guardian - Books

It provides a real-life example of adaptive learning in an environment where understanding is incomplete, but where management nonetheless has to proceed.

Journal of Environmental Management

The understanding of the nature and causes of depression has evolved over the centuries, though this understanding is incomplete and has left many aspects of depression as the subject of discussion and research.

Wikipedia

The understanding of the nature and causes of depression has evolved over the centuries, although this understanding is incomplete and has left many aspects of depression as the subject of discussion and research.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Although many families acknowledged receiving cholera messages, their understanding was incomplete.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Others believe that our understanding of God is incomplete but that He has bestowed this beautiful world on us, and other gifts, which should be shared, and we should walk softly and praise His Name.

The New York Times

Given this inherent complexity, it is not surprising that the scientific understanding of CBC is incomplete, or that the design and adoption of reliable CBC prescriptions have proved elusive.

Crop Protection

"The fact that we haven't seen any evidence of it tells us that either our understanding of it is incomplete, or it's a little different to what we thought - or maybe it doesn't exist at all," he said.

BBC

It is undoubted, however, that our current understanding of autophagy is incomplete.

Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understanding is incomplete" when you want to emphasize that while some knowledge exists, it is not comprehensive or fully developed. This is useful in academic, scientific, or technical contexts where acknowledging limitations is important.

Common error

Avoid using "understanding is incomplete" as a blanket statement to dismiss existing knowledge. Instead, specify what aspects are incomplete and why further investigation is necessary. Be precise rather than vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understanding is incomplete" functions as a statement of limitation, acknowledging that current knowledge or comprehension is not comprehensive or fully developed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is often used to introduce further discussion or research needs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "understanding is incomplete" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey that current knowledge or comprehension is not comprehensive. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts and serves to objectively assess the state of knowledge and set the stage for further inquiry. While alternatives like "knowledge is lacking" or "comprehension is insufficient" exist, "understanding is incomplete" maintains a balanced tone suitable for formal and scientific discourse. Remember to avoid overstating uncertainty and specify what aspects are incomplete for the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowledge is lacking

Focuses on the absence of knowledge rather than the incompleteness of understanding.

comprehension is insufficient

Emphasizes the inadequacy of comprehension, suggesting a need for deeper understanding.

insight is limited

Highlights the restricted scope of insight, implying a partial view.

grasp is partial

Indicates that the understanding is not fully developed or complete.

perception is imperfect

Suggests that the understanding is flawed or inaccurate.

awareness is deficient

Highlights a lack of complete awareness or cognizance.

picture is still developing

Emphasizes that the situation is still unfolding and full understanding will come with time.

the full story is yet to be told

Indicates that the available information doesn't give a complete idea of the situation.

there are gaps in our knowledge

Highlights the specific deficiencies that prevent complete understanding.

we don't have all the pieces of the puzzle

Implies that further clues or information are needed to achieve a complete picture.

FAQs

How can I use "understanding is incomplete" in a sentence?

You can use "understanding is incomplete" to indicate that the current knowledge about a subject is not comprehensive. For example, "Our "understanding of climate change" is incomplete, and further research is needed."

What are some alternatives to saying "understanding is incomplete"?

Alternatives include "knowledge is lacking", "comprehension is insufficient", or "insight is limited", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "understanding is incomplete"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that there are gaps in current knowledge or that more information is needed to fully comprehend a situation or concept.

What does it mean when someone says their "understanding is incomplete"?

It means they recognize that their knowledge or comprehension of a particular topic is not comprehensive or fully developed, and that further learning or investigation is required.