an adequate grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's understanding or comprehension of a subject or concept. Example: "To succeed in this course, students must have an adequate grasp of the fundamental principles of mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Last month, the Confederation of British Industry claimed, not for the first time, that many pupils were leaving school without an adequate grasp of basic maths.

The Guardian

A study carried out last year found that half the teachers in Chile lacked an adequate grasp of the material they were supposed to teach.

The Economist

Pope Benedict likewise expresses a deep-seated opposition to antisemitism and is profoundly sensitive to the horrors of the Holocaust but he and his closest advisors lack an adequate grasp of the depth of Christian complicity in its execution, including Catholic ­institutional complicity.

The Guardian - Opinion

For within the time constraints imposed by the curriculum, it is effectively impossible for pupils to acquire an adequate grasp of the topic.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It requires an adequate grasp of the source text (plus associated conceptual framework) and the ability to render this coherently, using a suitable style and the correct terminology, in the target language, which should normally be the translator's mother tongue.

Science Magazine

But he found an adequate grasp of the darting two-seamer in his pregame bullpen session and let it loose 33 times for 21 strikes.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But if morality is to be understood in terms of God's commands, we can give an informative account of what these unusual properties are; and if it is understood in terms of God's commands, then we can give an informative account of how God, being the creator and sustainer of us rational beings, can ensure that we can have an adequate epistemic grasp of the moral domain (Adams 1979a, pp. 137 138).

SEP

The computer vision system will, in addition to the adequate grasp type, be able to recognize the size and orientation of the object and position and orientation of the affected hand, thus enabling fine tuning of stimulation amplitude during hand opening and timely triggering of grasping stimulation pattern.

BioMed Research International

Towards much skill behaviors and adequate grasping abilities (i.e. ARTICULATION and DEXTEROUS MANIPULATION), a new phase of dexterous hands have been developed recently with biomimetically oriented and bio-inspired functionalities.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The 2011 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) statewide results shows the percent of students with an adequate or superior grasp of the curriculum increasing from the previous year by an average of 2% in English-language arts, math, history and science, according to the state Department of Education.

Los Angeles Times

Positive knowledge of languages and history was necessary, but it was never enough, any more than the mechanical gathering of facts would constitute an adequate method for grasping what an author like Dante, for example, was all about.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an adequate grasp" when you want to convey that someone has a sufficient but not necessarily expert-level understanding of a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "an adequate grasp" when describing expert-level knowledge. Instead, use phrases like "mastery of" or "profound understanding" to accurately reflect the expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate grasp" functions as a noun phrase, where "adequate" modifies the noun "grasp". Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English, often serving as an object or complement within a sentence to describe someone's level of understanding or ability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an adequate grasp" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a sufficient level of understanding of a subject or concept. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, scientific and general contexts. While not as common as simpler alternatives, it offers a precise way to express a satisfactory level of comprehension without implying mastery. Ludwig's examples from reputable sources illustrate its use in professional and academic settings, further validating its appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sufficient understanding

Replaces "grasp" with "understanding" and "adequate" with "sufficient", emphasizing comprehension.

a solid comprehension

Substitutes "adequate grasp" with "solid comprehension", indicating a firm understanding.

a working knowledge

Implies a practical understanding sufficient for application.

a decent understanding

Replaces "adequate" with "decent", suggesting a satisfactory level of understanding.

a fair command

Uses "command" to denote control and understanding of a subject.

a reasonable familiarity

Suggests a basic level of acquaintance and understanding.

a basic awareness

Indicates a minimal level of understanding or knowledge.

a functional literacy

Focuses on the ability to use knowledge effectively.

a passing acquaintance

Implies a superficial or introductory level of understanding.

a rudimentary understanding

Highlights the basic and fundamental nature of the comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "an adequate grasp" in a sentence?

You can use "an adequate grasp" to describe someone's level of understanding of a subject. For example, "To succeed in this course, students must have an adequate grasp of the fundamental principles of mathematics."

What are some alternatives to "an adequate grasp"?

You can use alternatives like "a sufficient understanding", "a solid comprehension", or "a working knowledge" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "an adequate grasp" in formal writing?

Yes, "an adequate grasp" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly conveys a sufficient level of understanding without being overly informal. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it fits the overall tone.

What's the difference between "an adequate grasp" and "a comprehensive understanding"?

"An adequate grasp" implies a sufficient, but not necessarily complete, understanding. "A comprehensive understanding" suggests a thorough and complete knowledge of the subject.