understanding of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understanding of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's comprehension or grasp of a particular subject or concept. Example: "Her understanding of quantum physics is impressive and has contributed significantly to her research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has a nuanced understanding of computers.

The New York Times - Tech

I feel some understanding of that position".

The New Yorker

Human understanding of animals expands daily.

Independent

He had an instinctive understanding of people.

The Economist

In negotiations, they are understanding of quirks.

The Economist

His understanding of stagecraft is phenomenal.

Independent

"Our understanding of that is changing".

The New York Times

This is my understanding of Buddhist dharma.

The New York Times

"The understanding of things deepens".

The New Yorker

Consider their understanding of addiction.

The New York Times

What's your understanding of birtherism?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, follow "understanding of" with a specific and concrete noun or noun phrase to precisely define the subject being understood.

Common error

Avoid using "understanding of" in overly broad or vague contexts. Be specific about what is being understood to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understanding of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to describe the type or quality of understanding related to a specific subject. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understanding of" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to express comprehension or knowledge about a specific subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and common across diverse contexts. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific publications, indicating its broad applicability. For more precise writing, specify the subject following "understanding of" with a concrete noun. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "comprehension of", "grasp of" or "knowledge of", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehension of

Focuses on the mental process of grasping meaning.

grasp of

Implies a firm and complete understanding.

knowledge of

Emphasizes the possession of facts and information.

awareness of

Highlights the state of being conscious or informed.

perception of

Refers to the way something is interpreted or regarded.

insight into

Suggests a deep and intuitive understanding.

familiarity with

Indicates a state of being well-acquainted with something.

appreciation of

Highlights the recognition of value or significance.

expertise in

Emphasizes specialized knowledge or skill.

command of

Suggests a high degree of skill and control.

FAQs

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

You can use "understanding of" to indicate comprehension or knowledge about a subject. For example, "Her understanding of quantum physics is impressive" or "A better understanding of customers can improve business strategies".

What are some alternatives to "understanding of"?

You can use alternatives like "comprehension of", "grasp of", or "knowledge of" depending on the context.

How does "understanding of" differ from "knowledge of"?

"Understanding of" implies a deeper, more nuanced comprehension, while "knowledge of" often refers to factual information or awareness. You can have knowledge without full understanding.

Is it better to say "understanding about" or "understanding of"?

"Understanding of" is generally preferred and considered more grammatically correct. "Understanding about" is less common and can sound awkward in formal writing.