with an understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with an understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two parties share a mutual understanding of a particular situation or agreement. For example, "We signed the contract with an understanding that either party may terminate the agreement at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Marketing starts with an understanding of the way people are.

The Guardian - Money

The mail carrier commiserated with an understanding chuckle.

The New York Times

You have to start with an understanding of the material.

The New York Times - Magazine

Prison, one sensed, had imbued him with an understanding of the irrelevance of personal possessions.

The Guardian

"She joined us from an administrative role but with an understanding of what office supplies is.

The Guardian

A good accountant with an understanding of self-employment is a must".

The Guardian

"They have a lot of kit to carry," she explains with an understanding smile.

The Guardian - Sport

Pany Mayska opened the door and waived the two-dollar entrance fee with an understanding nod.

The New Yorker

We hope Moss will look on this with an understanding eye.

The Guardian - Books

She was brought up, too, with an understanding of what it means to be a guest.

The Guardian

Levein has proven himself to be a capable, passionate coach with an understanding of Scottish football.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with an understanding", ensure that both parties involved share the same interpretation of the agreement or situation. Ambiguity can undermine the purpose of conveying mutual comprehension.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone has the same level of understanding as you do. Explicitly state the key details to ensure clarity and prevent miscommunication when using the phrase "with an understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with an understanding" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It adds information about the manner in which an action is performed or a situation is perceived. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase suggests a shared comprehension or agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with an understanding" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating a shared comprehension or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, its precise meaning depends on the context, emphasizing the importance of clarity to avoid misinterpretations. When writing, ensure that the implied understanding is explicitly stated to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with comprehension

Focuses more directly on the act of understanding itself.

knowing

A more concise way to express the possession of understanding.

being aware that

Emphasizes the state of being informed about something.

in cognizance of

A more formal way to express awareness or understanding.

realizing

Highlights the process of coming to an understanding.

appreciating

Implies a deeper, more nuanced understanding.

with the knowledge that

Similar to "being aware that" but emphasizes the factual basis of understanding.

on the condition that

Shifts the focus to an agreement or prerequisite for understanding.

given that

Introduces a premise or assumption as the basis for understanding.

being conscious of

Highlights the state of being aware and attentive to something.

FAQs

How can I use "with an understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "with an understanding" to indicate a mutual agreement or awareness, such as "We proceeded "with an understanding" that the project would be completed by the end of the year".

What are some alternatives to "with an understanding"?

Alternatives include "knowing", "being aware that", or "in cognizance of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "with an understanding" or "with the understanding"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "with an understanding" typically refers to a general comprehension or awareness, while "with the understanding" implies a specific, pre-existing agreement or condition.

What's the difference between "with an understanding" and "with empathy"?

"With an understanding" indicates comprehension or agreement, whereas "with empathy" signifies a shared emotional experience or compassion. The two are not interchangeable.