Phrase synonymous to "a general understanding"?

Question

I am writing a goal where I would like to replace the phrase "a general understanding" with something synonymous.

The whole line reads:

Writes clean and concise code that reflects a general understanding of the codebase and its external modules.

Alternative that I don't like:

Writes clean and concise code that reflects efforts to understand the codebase and its external modules.

I am looking for a similar phrase which uses an alternative to "understanding" with a positive adjective describing it.

Welcome to English Language & Usage. This is out of scope (writing advice) per the FAQ. You are welcome to edit the question, to reframe it so that it is not a writing advice request. Also please add the results of research you undertook before asking here. Thanks. — MetaEd, Commented Mar 1, 2013 at 5:54
@MετάEd There was an earlier Q on phrase-requests similarly objected to. Phrase-requests cannot be off-topic per se. — Kris, Commented Mar 1, 2013 at 8:58
I realise this might be part of a list or some other non-prose structure, but "Writes" is missing a subject. Putting it in the imperative, "Write", would sound better. — deadly, Commented Mar 1, 2013 at 11:36
@deadly, thank you for the tip; slang and misuse have muddied my English usage. — Gaʀʀʏ, Commented Mar 1, 2013 at 14:09

Archy Will He 何魏奇 · Accepted Answer · 2013-02-28 17:15:15Z

3

You can use the phrase superficial understanding, or simply, general insight into a particular subject.

answered Feb 28, 2013 at 17:15

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1

Given the usually negative connotation with superficial -- see 2.c, I don't think that would bode well with my supervisor. I do like using the term insight.
– Gaʀʀʏ
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 17:17
@le_garry Then I think general insight should be a better choice.
– Archy Will He 何魏奇
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 17:18
Thank you. Final: Writes clean and concise code that displays a growing insight of the codebase and its external modules.
– Gaʀʀʏ
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 17:21
2

@le_garry That sounds pretty positive. Great choice of the adjective growing. However, I suggest the preposition into to be used after insight.
– Archy Will He 何魏奇
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 17:28

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starwed · Accepted Answer · 2013-02-28 17:25:40Z

1

You don't really have to qualify understanding as "general". If you wrote

Writes clean and concise code that reflects an understanding of the codebase and its external modules.

then this would have the exact meaning you want.

e: Please remember that if you think this answer is wrong, you should consider leaving a comment explaining why. :)

answered Feb 28, 2013 at 17:25

starwed

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While I could use an understanding, I would like to describe it somehow in a positive light.
– Gaʀʀʏ
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 17:33
2

What about an understanding is not positive?
– Peter Shor
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 17:43
3

The 30%-ness of it. I think OP wants it both ways. How about 'a working understanding'.
– Edwin Ashworth
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 17:49
"Clean and concise" are virtues for both human and computer languages. I think ornamenting "understanding" works against both. I'd even argue with the implication that clean and concise necessarily reflects understanding. Why connect them? This seems stronger to me: "I write clean and concise code. I understand the codebase and external modules."
– PapaCharlie9
Commented Feb 28, 2013 at 23:14

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donothingsuccessfully · Accepted Answer · 2013-02-28 19:43:15Z

0

Perhaps a little informal but gist could work:

Writes clean and concise code that reflects the gist of the codebase and its external modules.

answered Feb 28, 2013 at 19:43

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3 Answers 3