able to comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's ability to understand something. For example: "The student had an impressive ability to comprehend the material quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am not able to comprehend these results.

Yale University

I am not able to comprehend this result.

Yale University

"It is likely that the occupants were barely able to comprehend their situation," the board found.

The New York Times

The reporter asks Garcia, "Are you able to comprehend what happened here?" "I know exactly what happened here," she replies.

The New Yorker

"This man," said Bernard, "presumes to be able to comprehend by human reason the entirety of God".

Encyclopedia Britannica

So much of his life has been spent in struggle that he's hardly able to comprehend this new existence.

Independent

"Our kids are able to read fluently; they just are not able to comprehend what they're reading," he said.

The New York Times

Individuals with this form of aphasia are able to comprehend speech but have great difficulty expressing their thoughts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Citizens of today need to be able to comprehend meaning that is constructed through two or more communication modes.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

A half-century later, MP3-equipped Americans may not be able to comprehend the significance of that.

The New York Times

New words are created every day by people who are able to comprehend their meanings before they exist.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to comprehend" when you want to emphasize a person's capacity to fully understand complex or abstract ideas. It's a slightly more formal way of saying "able to understand".

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "able to comprehend" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "able to understand" or "can grasp" might be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to comprehend" primarily functions as a verb phrase that describes the capacity or capability of someone or something to understand information. Ludwig examples demonstrate it modifies nouns, specifying abilities. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

28%

Academia

13%

Less common in

HuffPost

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to comprehend" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the capacity to understand something, particularly complex or abstract ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While it can be used across various contexts, it's particularly common in scientific, news, and academic writing. While "able to understand" is a suitable alternative, "able to comprehend" carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the level of formality appropriate for your writing. Be mindful of the tendency to overuse it in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to understand

Replaces "comprehend" with the more common synonym "understand".

capable of understanding

Uses "capable" as a synonym for "able".

able to make sense of

Replaces "comprehend" with a more idiomatic expression.

able to grasp

Focuses on the act of seizing or understanding something quickly.

capable of grasping

Uses "capable" and focuses on seizing understanding.

able to perceive

Emphasizes awareness and understanding through the senses or intellect.

able to interpret

Focuses on explaining or understanding the meaning of something.

able to fathom

Suggests a deeper level of understanding, often implying complexity.

have the capacity to understand

Emphasizes inherent capability and uses the word "understand" instead of "comprehend".

able to apprehend

Implies a formal or legal understanding.

FAQs

What does "able to comprehend" mean?

The phrase "able to comprehend" means having the capacity or capability to understand something, especially something complex or abstract. It suggests a thorough grasp of the subject matter.

How can I use "able to comprehend" in a sentence?

You can use "able to comprehend" to describe someone's understanding, as in "The students were "able to comprehend the lecture"". It can also be used to describe a general capacity for understanding.

Which is more formal, "able to comprehend" or "able to understand"?

"Able to comprehend" is generally considered more formal than "able to understand". While both are correct, "able to comprehend" suggests a deeper or more thorough level of understanding.

What are some alternatives to "able to comprehend"?

Alternatives to "able to comprehend" include "able to understand", "able to grasp", and "capable of understanding". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.