Is this sentence grammatically correct?

Question

To make sense of the current economic, political, and cultural conditions in Northern Ireland, it is essential to have a competent understanding of the conflict.

Specifically, does the word competent work?

Thanks.

Answer 1

it works, although i would write "thorough understanding" rather than competent.

Answer 2

Yes. I don't have a competent understanding and would then know I could not make sense of the conditions in N. Ireland. Very readable and understandable.

Answer 3

Yeah the sentence itself is correct but it's sort of a redundant and useless sentence if used in an essay. Look at it this way:

To make sense of ____________________ it is essential to have a competent understanding off it.

Well, no kidding.

Answer 4

yes, competent, means understanding....So you are using the word Understanding twice

Answer 5

I'd say yes.
I think the word competent works just fine.

Answer 6

look at it this way also .....".To make sense of the current............it is essential to have an understanding of the conflict. " I don't think one can have an incompetent understanding. Then it wouldn't be an understanding, would it?

Answer 7

well for me is good , but your teacher will not think the same.
competent=not correct bcause it is a 1st, 2nd and 3rd person, word,and you are not talking about a 1st,2nd or 3rd person singular. you better changed to what wayne said.

Answer 8

complete, or thorough
competent and understanding is to me the same thing.
my slow computer! anyways what the last three people said is true.

Answer 9

It isn't a word I would have chosen, although it is fine. I probably would have used:
'thorough', 'knowledgeable', 'empathetic', 'well versed', 'comprehensive'....
depending on what I intended to convey.

Answer 10

Yes it the sentance looks great to me