are grasped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are grasped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or skills that are understood or comprehended by someone. Example: "The fundamental principles of physics are grasped by students after thorough study and practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

In front of a larger audience, the story moves more nimbly and ideas are grasped more quickly.

The Guardian

They are tossed into the dish pile, are grasped with tongs and spend a lot of time under a broiler.

The New York Times - Food

In this view, because people act on beliefs, ideas, or meanings whether conscious or not their actions can be explained properly only if the relevant meanings are grasped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Husserl and Meinong contended that the basic categories of objects mirror the various kinds of mental activity by which they are grasped.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And he displays sincere interest in Chris's roiling emotions, which are grasped only by his best friend and roommate, the blind ex-criminal Lewis Jeff Danielss).

The New York Times

Appearing somewhat ephemeral, the semitransparency of the paper makes an effective parallel to the way memories are perceived and recollections are grasped.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Palestinians are grasping for another route.

The New York Times

"These groups are grasping at straws," he said.

The New York Times

Still, families are grasping for whatever information can be found.

The New York Times

At this point we are grasping at straws.

Forbes

"They are grasping at straws.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are grasped" when you want to emphasize not just understanding, but also a firm or comprehensive understanding of a concept or situation. It's particularly useful when describing the acquisition of knowledge or skills that require effort.

Common error

Avoid using "are grasped" in very informal writing or speech. Simpler alternatives like "are understood" or "are known" may be more appropriate for everyday conversation or casual writing. Overusing it can make your language sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are grasped" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a subject (e.g., concepts, ideas) is being understood or comprehended by someone. As Ludwig AI explains, this highlights that these subjects are not merely known, but actively and thoroughly understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are grasped" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to convey a thorough understanding or comprehension of something. While perfectly acceptable, consider your context. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase often appears in formal writing, spanning science, news, and encyclopedia sources. For less formal situations, alternatives like "are understood" or "are known" might be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. Ultimately, use "are grasped" when you wish to emphasize not only comprehension but also the effort or process involved in achieving that understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are understood

Focuses on the comprehension aspect, removing the physical connotation of "grasping".

are comprehended

A more formal synonym for "are understood", emphasizing thorough understanding.

are apprehended

Implies a more formal and sometimes legal or theoretical understanding.

are perceived

Focuses on the initial awareness or recognition of something.

are recognized

Highlights the acknowledgment or acceptance of something as valid or true.

are seized

Emphasizes taking hold of something, either physically or figuratively, like an opportunity.

are caught

Suggests capturing or understanding something, often quickly or unexpectedly.

are held

Focuses on maintaining a grip or understanding of something.

are known

A broader term indicating familiarity or awareness, not necessarily deep understanding.

are internalized

Suggests a deep level of understanding where the concept becomes part of one's own thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "are grasped" in a sentence?

You can use "are grasped" to describe how concepts, ideas, or opportunities /s/are+seized . For example, "The nuances of the theorem are grasped after careful study" or "These opportunities are grasped rather than wasted".

What's a more formal alternative to "are grasped"?

A more formal alternative to "are grasped" is /s/are+comprehended . It conveys a similar meaning of understanding but in a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "are understood" and "are grasped"?

"Are understood" generally implies a basic level of comprehension, while "are grasped" suggests a more complete and firm understanding, as if the concept /s/is+fully+internalized .

When is it appropriate to use "are grasped" instead of "are known"?

Use "are grasped" when you want to emphasize the effort or process involved in coming to understand something thoroughly. "Are known" simply indicates awareness, whereas "are grasped" implies active learning and comprehension.