Sign In Get Started
Prepositions before nouns

Which prepositions go with “understanding”?

The noun “understanding” is commonly followed by of when talking about knowledge of a subject. Other prepositions such as between, with, and for are used in different meanings and sentence structures.

Quick answer

Common combinations with “understanding”

Use understanding of for knowledge about something. Use understanding between for mutual agreement and understanding with someone for sympathetic behaviour toward them. In, to, and for are usually part of a larger sentence rather than fixed combinations with the noun.

She has a deep understanding of climate science.
There is an understanding between the two companies.
Thank you for your understanding during the delay.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
understanding of + subject

Knowledge about something

Use of to introduce the topic or area someone understands.

He showed an excellent understanding of local law.
Children develop an understanding of numbers gradually.
2
understanding between + people/groups

Mutual agreement or harmony

Use between when two sides share agreement or sympathy.

There is good understanding between the neighbours.
3
understanding with + person

Sympathetic attitude toward someone

Use with when describing patient or kind behaviour toward a person.

The teacher treated the student with understanding.
4
understanding for + situation

Sympathy about a problem

For often appears after understanding in phrases about sympathy or patience.

We appreciate your understanding for the difficult situation.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
understanding of
Her understanding of economics is impressive.
knowledge about a subject
understanding between
An understanding between the partners avoided conflict.
shared agreement or trust
with understanding
He listened with understanding.
in a sympathetic way; here with introduces manner, not a fixed noun pattern
understanding to
They came to an understanding.
to is linked to the verb came, not directly to understanding
understanding in
She showed understanding in difficult conversations.
in introduces the situation or context, not a fixed combination with the noun
for your understanding
Thank you for your understanding.
fixed polite expression asking for patience or sympathy

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using understanding to for knowledge

Use understanding of before a topic.

✕ her understanding to maths ✓ her understanding of maths

Confusing with understanding and understanding with

With understanding describes manner, while understanding with refers to a relationship with someone.

✕ an understanding with the subject ✓ an understanding of the subject

Using in understanding as a fixed noun pattern

In usually introduces context, not the object of understanding.

✕ his understanding in physics ✓ his understanding of physics

Leaving out of after understanding

The noun usually needs of before the subject area.

✕ a good understanding grammar ✓ a good understanding of grammar

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She has a strong understanding ___ chemistry.
2. There is a clear understanding ___ the two teams.
3. Thank you for your ___ during the delay.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

Is understanding of the most common pattern?

Yes. It is the standard pattern when talking about knowledge about a subject or situation.

Can I say understanding with someone?

Yes, but it usually refers to a relationship or agreement with a person, not knowledge about a topic.

Is understanding in wrong?

Not always. In can introduce a context, such as understanding in education, but it is not the normal pattern for the topic understood.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account