understanding of the language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understanding of the language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's comprehension or grasp of a particular language, whether spoken or written. Example: "Her understanding of the language has improved significantly since she started taking classes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Does having a basic understanding of the language help protect you from the kinds of pitfalls one hears about?

The New York Times

"Firstly, there is a lack of understanding of the language of Islamophobia thrown at victims in any incidents.

Independent

It was a little difficult because my understanding of the language was not so perfect, and sometimes I would be embarrassed to ask Charlie what exactly he meant.

The Guardian - Film

Another is a trilingual text in Aramaic, Greek, and Lycian dedicating a shrine to the goddess Leto; found in 1973, it consolidated the modern understanding of the language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At first Mr. Sayre got along very well in French but as the afternoon wore on a combination of wine, food and the warmth of the day reduced his understanding of the language and he could only listen uncomprehendingly.

The New Yorker

Scala is the main programming language that we use at the Guardian, and through studying this course we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the language, learn new features and improve our programming style.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Knowing that his captors, Acholi speakers from Uganda, had a limited or nonexistent understanding of the languages spoken in the region, Martin, in his own tongue, whispered to his son, "I will fire once to trick them.

Vice

The translators should be fluent in the language of the target population with a good understanding of the original language [ 2- 5].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Unfortunately, her understanding of how the language operates is incorrect.

Huffington Post

Some possessed – it transpired – only the ropiest understanding of the source language.

The Guardian - Books

Piñon's writing is characterized by a great depth of understanding of the Portuguese language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about language proficiency, specify the aspect you are referring to, such as "reading understanding", "speaking ability", or "listening comprehension", for clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating your or someone else's "understanding of the language". Be realistic about the level of proficiency and use qualifiers like "basic", "intermediate", or "advanced" to provide a more accurate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understanding of the language" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, this construction is correct and widely used. It describes the degree to which someone comprehends a particular language.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understanding of the language" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it's considered correct and applicable across various contexts. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media and scientific sources, indicating a broad usage spectrum. Related phrases include "knowledge of the language" and "grasp of the language", offering subtle differences in meaning. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify the aspect of understanding for clarity and avoid overstating language skills. While versatile, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowledge of the language

Focuses on the information and facts one possesses about the language.

grasp of the language

Implies a firm and comprehensive hold on the language's nuances.

command of the language

Suggests a high level of control and proficiency in using the language.

proficiency in the language

Highlights competence and skill in using the language effectively.

familiarity with the language

Indicates a comfortable and acquainted level of knowledge.

competence in the language

Suggests sufficient skill for a given task.

expertise in the language

Emphasizes specialized skill and knowledge.

appreciation for the language

Highlights awareness of subtleties and beauty.

insight into the language

Conveys a deeper, more intuitive perception.

awareness of the language

Indicates basic consciousness and recognition.

FAQs

How to use "understanding of the language" in a sentence?

You can use "understanding of the language" to describe someone's comprehension or knowledge of a particular language. For example: "Her "understanding of the language" improved significantly after her immersion program."

What can I say instead of "understanding of the language"?

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

Which is correct: "understanding of the language" or "understanding the language"?

"Understanding of the language" and "understanding the language" are both acceptable but have slightly different nuances. "Understanding of the language" is more formal and refers to a general comprehension, while "understanding the language" implies a more direct and specific understanding of its usage or concepts.

What's the difference between "understanding of the language" and "proficiency in the language"?

"Understanding of the language" refers to the comprehension of its structure and meaning, while "proficiency in the language" refers to the ability to use the language effectively in various contexts. You can have an understanding without necessarily being proficient.