a simple comprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple comprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an understanding or grasp of a concept that is straightforward or easy to grasp. Example: "After reviewing the material, I found that a simple comprehension of the main ideas was all that was needed to pass the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Donald Trump claims that Mexico has not sent us its "best people," while broadly slandering those who've come here as "rapists" and "criminals," but anyone with even a simple comprehension of the crisis that has befallen Mexico and much of Central America knows that Trump has it exactly backward.

The New Yorker

Male aged 70 Although misreading a word is a simple comprehension mistake that anyone can make when answering a self-completion measures, it is a difficult problem to rectify if non-jargon language has been used in the item construction.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Patients were eligible for study inclusion when the aphasia test results indicated a largely preserved simple comprehension, with a comparably limited verbal expression.

Brain

Coaches and managers need a wide range of skills, going far beyond simple comprehension of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Tests of reading for understanding ("rauding") involve the addition of simple comprehension questions which are answered after subjects have read a passage of text [ 13- 15].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Wolf's concerns go far beyond simple comprehension.

The New Yorker

To be sure, there have been public events beyond simple comprehension: the Kennedy assassination comes to mind, as well as the Lewinsky scandal.

The New Yorker

Russell's discovery of a hidden contradiction in Frege's attempt to formalize set theory, with the help of his simple comprehension scheme, caused some mathematicians to wonder how one could make sure that no other contradictions existed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Participants were instructed to read silently for comprehension and had to answer simple comprehension questions after 25% of the sentences.

Behavior Research Methods

In many cases, ready comprehension of a simple sentence depends on a familiarity with the background of a particular period of history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On a certain topic/material Example (cognitive ability) Can recognize Specific information In a simple Story about personal experience Example (comprehension strategy) Can analyze The author's attitude By punctuations in Stories about life experience and perception.

Language Testing in Asia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a simple comprehension", ensure your writing clearly indicates what specific subject or topic requires only a basic level of understanding. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple comprehension" when describing tasks or concepts that actually require deeper analysis or expertise. Accurately assess the level of understanding needed to prevent misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple comprehension" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "simple" modifies the noun "comprehension". It describes the ease or level of understanding required or achieved, suggesting that the subject matter is not complex.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a simple comprehension" is grammatically correct and denotes a basic or uncomplicated understanding of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. While not extremely frequent, its usage is consistent across various sources, indicating its reliability. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the required level of understanding to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic understanding

Focuses on the fundamental aspect of understanding, similar to "a simple comprehension".

an easy understanding

Directly states the understanding is not difficult.

a fundamental comprehension

Stresses the essential nature of the understanding.

an elementary grasp

Emphasizes the rudimentary level of understanding.

a straightforward grasp

Suggests the understanding is direct and uncomplicated.

a clear understanding

Highlights the clarity of the understanding, implying ease of comprehension.

a rudimentary understanding

Implies a foundational level of knowledge.

a working knowledge

Focuses on practical understanding for application.

an intuitive understanding

Highlights the effortless and immediate nature of comprehension.

a surface-level understanding

Indicates a shallow, but easy to obtain, comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "a simple comprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple comprehension" to describe a basic level of understanding needed for a task or concept. For example, "The instructions require "a simple comprehension" of the software's interface."

What are some alternatives to "a simple comprehension"?

Alternatives include "a basic understanding", "an elementary grasp", or "a clear understanding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a simple comprehension"?

It's appropriate when the subject matter genuinely requires only a basic, uncomplicated level of understanding. Avoid using it when more in-depth knowledge is necessary.

Is there a difference between "a simple comprehension" and "an intuitive understanding"?

"A simple comprehension" implies a basic level of knowledge that can be acquired easily, while "an intuitive understanding" suggests an inherent or readily apparent grasp of something, often without needing explicit instruction.