understanding of the predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understanding of the predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's comprehension or awareness of a difficult situation or challenge. Example: "Her understanding of the predicament allowed her to propose effective solutions during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Despite his focus on men, he displayed an understanding of the predicament of women in a patriarchal world.

The Guardian

To the Editor: Saffa Khan's irritation with being wait-listed hardly reflects an understanding of the predicament that admissions offices find themselves in when applications increase as they did this year.

The New York Times

Miller then wrote to Cairns expressing his understanding of the predicament that Cairns faced.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The search for understanding of the human predicament may well look like a journey.

The Guardian - Film

As China's rise continues, its understanding of the security predicament that goes with being a superpower may yet improve.

The Economist

The author calls for the debate and discussion to revitalize the understanding of the ethical predicaments of doctors' strikes with patient care as the priority.

BMC Medical Ethics

Once, he was embraced by innocent liberals as a folk singer whose songs (The Times They Are a-Changing, Masters of War, The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll) pointed committed youth's way to an understanding of the 20th-century predicament.

The Guardian - Music

This reflexivity is necessary to develop empathy through a better understanding of the patient's predicament [ 31], avoid assumptions and stereotypes [ 21], and to be aware of ones own attitudes and prejudices [ 32].

BMC Health Services Research

For these and other reasons, the little-told back-story of King Bhumibol is vital to understanding the predicament of this country of 64m people.Many Thais will squirm at what follows, and will prefer the fairy-tale version of the king's story.

The Economist

A clear-eyed understanding of our predicament begins with the recognition that American interests and values do not always rhyme; imagining that they do makes it more likely that in the end we'll compromise both.

The New Yorker

Wright, the father of genetic drift and the fitness landscape, had a prescient understanding of our predicament.

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "understanding of the predicament", ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the predicament to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "understanding of the patient's predicament" rather than leaving it open to interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "understanding of the predicament" when a more basic "awareness" is sufficient. Overstating one's grasp can sound presumptuous if the understanding is not genuinely deep or comprehensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understanding of the predicament" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, denoting the capacity to comprehend a difficult situation. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showcasing its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understanding of the predicament" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies comprehension and awareness of a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news, media, scientific and business contexts. Alternative phrases such as "grasp of the situation" or "awareness of the dilemma" can offer nuanced substitutes. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the predicament to avoid ambiguity, and refrain from overstating one's level of comprehension. Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grasp of the situation

Emphasizes a firm hold or complete comprehension of the circumstances, differing slightly in its focus on control.

Awareness of the dilemma

Highlights consciousness or recognition of a problematic situation, with a more pronounced sense of the problem itself.

Insight into the crisis

Suggests a deeper, more intuitive understanding of a critical situation, implying a capacity to see beyond the obvious.

Appreciation of the challenges

Focuses on recognizing and valuing the difficulties involved, shifting the emphasis to the effort required.

Knowledge of the circumstances

Stresses factual awareness of the situation, differing in its emphasis on information rather than comprehension.

Recognition of the plight

Highlights acknowledgment of a distressing condition or situation, differing in its emotional connotation.

Perception of the adversity

Implies a clear and accurate view of unfavorable conditions, with a stronger focus on hardship.

Realization of the difficulty

Emphasizes coming to understand or recognize a challenging situation, with a focus on the moment of understanding.

Comprehension of the hardship

Focuses on fully grasping the nature and extent of difficult circumstances, adding emphasis to suffering.

Sensitivity to the issue

Stresses an emotional and empathetic understanding of a problem, differing in its focus on feeling and care.

FAQs

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

You can use "understanding of the predicament" to describe someone's comprehension of a difficult situation. For example: "Her "understanding of the predicament" allowed her to offer helpful advice."

What phrases are similar to "understanding of the predicament"?

Similar phrases include "grasp of the situation", "awareness of the dilemma", or "insight into the crisis".

Is "understanding of the predicament" formal or informal?

"Understanding of the predicament" is generally suitable for formal and neutral contexts. More informal options exist, but this phrase works well in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "understanding of the predicament" and "knowledge of the predicament"?

"Understanding of the predicament" implies a deeper comprehension and empathy, while "knowledge of the predicament" suggests a factual awareness without necessarily implying empathy or full comprehension.