understands the fundamentals of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "understands the fundamentals of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's comprehension or knowledge of basic principles or concepts in a particular subject or field. Example: "She understands the fundamentals of programming, which allows her to tackle more complex coding challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

And that, finally, is where Vargas's genius lies: she understands the fundamentals of classic crime writing, but is unafraid to put her own warped spin on proceedings.

The Guardian - Books

Now that Ms. Raju understands the fundamentals of personal budgeting, she plans to use her money from her summer job at J. P. Morgan Chase to buy a laptop computer for her first year at the State University of New York at Binghamton.

The New York Times

He understands the fundamentals of business success as well as any business leader I know".

TechCrunch

This is a game that fully understands the fundamentals of a good shooter.

Forbes

When one understands the fundamentals of what is changing, per rare individuals like Don Tapscott, it is possible been right on the target even over decades.

Forbes

He stays on top of astronomy and planetary science news, understands the fundamentals of physics and astrophysics, and is good at explaining them.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I understand the fundamentals of electricity.

The New York Times

I'm trying to get them to be themselves but understand the fundamentals of the game".

The New York Times - Sports

Our goal is to understand the fundamentals of data processing systems.

Stanford University

He said cloning technology would allow scientists to understand the fundamentals of human disease in a way never before possible.

The New York Times

In this context, experimental studies are conducted to understand the fundamentals of the fuel cell mechanism.

Renewable Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understands the fundamentals of" when you want to emphasize that someone has a firm grasp of the basic principles in a specific area, which enables them to approach more complex tasks or ideas effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "understands the fundamentals of" if someone's knowledge is very advanced. This phrase is better suited for describing a foundational understanding, not mastery or expert-level knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "understands the fundamentals of" functions as a verb phrase indicating comprehension and knowledge of basic principles. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used across various contexts to describe someone's grasp of core concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Academia

26%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "understands the fundamentals of" is a common way to express that someone has a basic but solid knowledge of a subject. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While several alternatives exist, such as "grasps the basics of" or "has a basic knowledge of", the original phrase maintains a versatile and clear meaning. It's important to use it appropriately, ensuring that it accurately reflects the level of knowledge being described, rather than overstating someone's expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grasps the basics of

Focuses on initial understanding rather than comprehensive knowledge.

comprehends the core principles of

Emphasizes understanding the main ideas rather than the detailed aspects.

possesses a basic knowledge of

Highlights having a foundational level of information.

is familiar with the foundations of

Implies awareness and acquaintance with essential aspects.

has a working knowledge of the basics of

Highlights practical understanding and ability to apply basic knowledge.

is acquainted with the elements of

Suggests a superficial level of knowledge about key components.

knows the rudiments of

Emphasizes knowledge of the earliest stages of learning.

is conversant with the groundwork of

Indicates ability to discuss the fundamental aspects.

appreciates the underlying concepts of

Focuses on recognizing and valuing the key notions.

has a rudimentary understanding of

Highlights a basic, initial level of comprehension.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "understands the fundamentals of" something?

It means they have a basic yet solid grasp of the core concepts and principles of a subject or skill. This foundational knowledge allows them to build upon it and tackle more complex aspects.

How can I say "understands the fundamentals of" in a more concise way?

You could use alternatives such as "grasps the basics of", "knows the basics of", or "has a basic knowledge of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "understands the fundamentals of" in formal writing?

Yes, it's appropriate. The phrase is suitable for formal contexts, such as academic papers, business reports, and professional communications.

What's the difference between "understands the fundamentals of" and "masters the intricacies of"?

"Understands the fundamentals of" implies a basic comprehension, while "masters the intricacies of" indicates a deep and detailed understanding, as well as a high level of skill and expertise.