able to grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has the ability to understand or comprehend something. Example: The student was quickly able to grasp the concepts of algebra.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A service robot for a domestic environment should be able to grasp, move, and release objects.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

"There's great appeal in being able to grasp a world in its totality".

Independent

One day, I hope that she will be able to grasp adoption's complexities.

The New York Times

If we are able to grasp it in an intelligent holistic and way.

University of California, Berkeley

And yet you were able to grasp the concepts sufficiently to extract fashion tips from them.

The New York Times - Magazine

The trouble was, few others were able to grasp what that was.

The New York Times

Opportunities can present themselves in many forms and being able to grasp them is paramount.

The Guardian

This is a man who seems able to grasp the marvellous essence of life.

The Guardian - Books

There were connections between them and their hearing counterparts which I was not able to grasp.

The Guardian

I hope that the resident companies are able to grasp the mythical dimension of the undertaking.

The New York Times - Arts

It was able to "grasp" the damage pattern; not as detailed as in the FEM calculations, but still quite good.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to grasp" when you want to express the capacity to understand a concept or the physical capability to hold something. For clarity, ensure the context makes it clear whether you're referring to mental comprehension or physical action.

Common error

Avoid using "able to grasp" in ambiguous contexts where it's unclear whether you mean physical holding or mental comprehension. Clarify with additional words to specify the type of "grasp" intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to grasp" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the capacity or ability of someone or something to either physically hold an object or mentally comprehend an idea. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from robotic capabilities to understanding complex concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to grasp" is a versatile phrase used to denote both physical and intellectual capacity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various domains, including science, news, and general writing. While its register is typically neutral, it can lean towards formality in scholarly contexts. Ludwig examples show that it's crucial to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity. Consider synonyms like "capable of understanding" or "proficient at comprehending", when referring to mental aptitude. In conclusion, "able to grasp" is a valuable expression for conveying ability, with context being key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adept at grasping

Highlights skillfulness in understanding, suggesting a natural talent.

capable of understanding

Focuses on intellectual capacity rather than physical ability, emphasizing comprehension.

skillful in understanding

Similar to 'adept at grasping', but focuses on general knowledge.

competent to understand

Highlights the adequacy of one's understanding, suggesting a level of proficiency.

proficient at comprehending

Indicates a high degree of competence in understanding complex topics.

in a position to comprehend

Emphasizes the circumstances that enable understanding, implying readiness.

equipped to apprehend

Suggests having the necessary tools or knowledge for understanding.

capable of seizing

Emphasizes the ability to physically take hold of something.

fit to perceive

Implies suitability or readiness to discern something, often subtle or nuanced.

prepared to seize

Highlights readiness to take hold of an object.

FAQs

What does "able to grasp" mean?

"Able to grasp" can mean either having the physical ability to hold something or having the mental capacity to understand something. The specific meaning depends on the context.

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

You can use "able to grasp" to describe someone's capacity to understand a concept, like "He was "able to grasp" the complex theory quickly". You can also use it to describe the physical capacity to hold something, like "The robot was "able to grasp" the delicate instrument".

What are some alternatives to "able to grasp"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capable of understanding", "adept at grasping", or "competent to understand" for mental comprehension. If referring to the physical ability to hold something, consider "capable of seizing".

Is it better to use "able to grasp" or "capable of grasping"?

Both "able to grasp" and "capable of grasping" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Capable of grasping" might slightly emphasize an inherent quality or potential, while "able to grasp" might focus more on a specific instance or demonstrated ability. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.