can grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's ability to understand or comprehend something. Example: "With enough practice, she can grasp complex mathematical concepts quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's how I can grasp my mourning.

The New Yorker

Wotan replies: "Age-old custom / is all you can grasp".

The New Yorker

The possibilities seem wide open if she can grasp them.

The Guardian - Arts

But Hootie fans prefer songs they can grasp without thinking.

The New York Times - Arts

Freshness is a concept they can grasp," O'Loughlin said.

The Washington Post

Make sure that they can grasp the main idea quickly.

Columbia University

"I can grasp a wine glass with my bionic fingers," he said.

The New York Times

Equally, it can grasp a large bottle of water firmly enough to pour from it.

The Economist

Take one law that most people can grasp – supply and demand.

The Economist

The science in many parts of biotechnology is moving much faster than politicians can grasp.

The Economist

"It's the only way that I can grasp any of the concepts," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, use "can grasp" to indicate a clear understanding or comprehension. For example, "Students can grasp the core concepts of quantum physics with visual aids."

Common error

Avoid using "can grasp" when referring only to physical actions if the intention is to also imply understanding. Use it when there is an element of comprehension involved. Instead of saying "The robot can grasp the object", use "The robot can pick up the object" if there is no understanding involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can grasp" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the ability to understand or comprehend something. It combines the modal verb "can", expressing capability, with the verb "grasp", suggesting a firm understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can grasp" is a versatile and widely used phrase that indicates the ability to understand or comprehend something, whether abstract concepts or physical objects. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, expressing capacity, and its register is neutral, making it suitable for various writing styles. Remember to use "can grasp" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to understand, but be mindful of the context to avoid confusion with purely physical actions. Consider alternatives such as "can understand" or "is able to comprehend" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to comprehend

Focuses on the ability to understand something, similar to grasping an idea mentally.

can understand

Simple and direct synonym for comprehending information.

is capable of understanding

Emphasizes the capacity or potential to understand.

has the ability to understand

Highlights the inherent skill or talent for understanding.

manages to understand

Implies a successful effort in understanding something potentially difficult.

is able to seize

Suggests taking hold of something, either physically or metaphorically.

is capable of seizing

Similar to "is able to seize" but emphasizes potential.

succeeds in understanding

Focuses on the successful outcome of understanding a concept or idea.

is able to seize onto

Similar to "is able to seize" but emphasizes grasping the concept of something.

has the capacity to comprehend

Highlights the inherent capacity to grasp complex concepts.

FAQs

How do I use "can grasp" in a sentence?

Use "can grasp" to indicate the ability to understand something, such as "Children can grasp basic money skills as early as middle school". It suggests comprehension and the capacity to understand complex concepts.

What are some alternatives to "can grasp"?

You can use alternatives like "can understand", "is able to comprehend", or "manages to understand" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can grasp" or "can get"?

Both phrases are usable, but they convey different meanings. "Can grasp" implies comprehension or understanding, while "can get" usually refers to obtaining something or reaching a certain state. For example, "He can grasp the main idea quickly" versus "He can get a good deal on the car".

What's the difference between "can grasp" and "can seize"?

"Can grasp" typically refers to understanding or comprehending something intellectually, while "can seize" often implies taking hold of something physically or metaphorically. While sometimes interchangeable, "can seize" often connotes a more forceful or opportunistic action.