can we comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can we comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning the ability to understand or grasp a concept or idea. Example: "In discussing the complexities of the universe, one might wonder, can we comprehend the vastness of space and time?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Can we comprehend impulsivity, addiction and the adolescent brain?

Harvard University

And if they are the same stuff, if the mind is the brain, how can we comprehend that fact?

The New Yorker

If we insist that the rest of the world is impossibly alien, how can we comprehend our own diversity, and keep from dividing America?

The New Yorker

And while we read this, we aren't given enough details to understand it, nor can we comprehend how common this connection was.

The New York Times - Arts

The long-term trend will be to make as many different kinds of mind as possible, because only in that way can we comprehend the universe.

The Guardian - Tech

Data: with every call, tweet and purchase we create it, websites and governments harvest vast amounts of it and, in the spirit of "open", much of it we can download ourselves, but can we comprehend it?

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Can we even comprehend in our minds how she'll be able to perform without worrying about hitting all the notes?

Huffington Post

Can we even comprehend how pissed Leia would be at both of them, and how cowardly Leia (at least the Leia we see in the first three films) would consider them both?

Huffington Post

Can we better comprehend the mechanistic differences for the different vascular responses of vascular normalisation versus reduced perfusion?

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Ball's book, published by Heinemann, invites us first to examine our own behaviour - how we vote, what we buy, where we live - then goes on to demonstrate the extent to which we can comprehend human actions when we cease to analyse the behaviour of individuals and look rather to the impact of hundreds, thousands or millions of human decisions.

The Guardian

Levi's message is clear: whether we can comprehend or not, we must remember.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can we comprehend", consider the level of complexity of the subject matter. This phrase is most effective when discussing topics that are inherently challenging to understand.

Common error

Avoid using "can we comprehend" when simpler alternatives like "can we understand" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can we comprehend" functions as a modal interrogative to inquire about the possibility of understanding something, particularly something complex or abstract. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it poses a question about our capacity for full comprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can we comprehend" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that questions the extent of our understanding, especially regarding complex topics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various domains. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "can we understand", it adds a layer of depth and contemplation to discussions. Its presence in news, scientific, and academic sources indicates its suitability for analytical and reflective writing. When using this phrase, consider the complexity of the subject matter and avoid overuse in simple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can we understand

Focuses on the ability to grasp the meaning or nature of something.

can we grasp

Emphasizes the act of seizing or taking hold of an idea.

can we fathom

Highlights the ability to deeply understand something complex or mysterious.

can we perceive

Focuses on becoming aware of something through the senses or intuition.

can we appreciate

Stresses the ability to recognize the value or significance of something.

can we realize

Emphasizes becoming fully aware or conscious of something.

can we conceive

Highlights the ability to form a mental image or idea of something.

can we imagine

Focuses on creating a mental picture or concept.

can we interpret

Highlights the ability to explain the meaning of something.

can we decode

Emphasizes the ability to convert something into an understandable form.

FAQs

What's the difference between "can we comprehend" and "can we understand"?

While both phrases relate to grasping something, "can we comprehend" implies a more thorough and complete understanding, often of complex or abstract concepts. "Can we understand" is generally used for simpler or more straightforward information.

How to use "can we comprehend" in a sentence?

Use "can we comprehend" when questioning the ability to fully grasp a complex subject. For example, "Can we comprehend the vastness of the universe?" or "Can we comprehend the motivations behind their actions?"

What are some alternatives to "can we comprehend"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "can we grasp", "can we fathom", or "can we appreciate". These phrases offer subtle differences in meaning and emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "can we comprehend"?

It is appropriate to use "can we comprehend" when discussing topics that require a deep level of understanding or when questioning whether something is truly understandable. It's well-suited for academic, philosophical, or scientific discussions.