capability to grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capability to grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to understand or comprehend something, often in a context related to skills or knowledge. Example: "Her capability to grasp complex concepts quickly made her an asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The relatively recent call for the inclusion of evolutionary content in the early elementary science curriculum warrants investigating the capabilities of young learners to grasp concepts fundamental to developing an understanding of speciation and adaptation.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Stories Podcast One of the first kids' podcasts to grasp podcasts' storytelling capabilities, this podcast is still going strong with kid-friendly renditions of classic stories, fairy tales, and original works.

Huffington Post

Analyzing entrepreneurship at the level of the firm arguably allows for a better understanding of the value creation process and it is possible to grasp corporate entrepreneurship contribution to firms' capabilities and competencies (Alvarez and Busenitz 2001).

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Given the capability of relatively effortless human relevance judgments, the frame problem seems a rather "artificial" creation, difficult to grasp and which usually goes unnoticed.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

While a number of participants spontaneously praised the capability of the graph interface for composing complex queries, our results evidence that graph interfaces are difficult to grasp.

Web Semantics: Science, Services and Agents on the World Wide Web

To grasp what dream?

The New York Times

It was hard to grasp.

The New York Times

He did appear to grasp the issues".

Independent

To grasp that dramatically requires imagination".

The New York Times

They're easy to grasp and frame.

The New York Times

The remedies are not hard to grasp.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "ability" or "capacity" when "capability" feels too formal. Sometimes a more direct word choice will improve the sentence.

Common error

While "capability to grasp" is grammatically correct, overusing the word "capability" in everyday conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ability" or "capacity" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capability to grasp" functions as a noun phrase that describes the capacity or potential to understand or seize something. It is used to denote someone's aptitude or skill in comprehending complex information or taking advantage of opportunities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

34%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capability to grasp" describes the potential or inherent capacity to understand or seize something. While grammatically correct and usable in written English, according to Ludwig, its formality leans toward professional contexts. Alternatives such as ""ability to understand"" or ""potential to grasp"" can be more suitable for informal settings. When using "capability to grasp", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being grasped to maintain clarity. Predominantly found in science, news media, and formal business contexts, it is less common in encyclopedias and wikis. Although it is correct, consider simpler alternatives when informality is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to understand

Focuses on the general ability to comprehend.

capacity to comprehend

Emphasizes the potential for understanding.

potential to grasp

Highlights the possibility of understanding in the future.

aptitude for understanding

Suggests a natural talent or skill for comprehension.

skill in comprehending

Focuses on the developed skill of understanding.

power to apprehend

Emphasizes the mental strength required to understand.

facility in grasping

Highlights the ease with which something is understood.

competence in understanding

Focuses on the demonstrated ability to understand.

adeptness at comprehending

Suggests a high level of skill in understanding.

knack for grasping

Implies a natural and intuitive ability to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "capability to grasp" to describe someone's ability to understand complex concepts or to seize opportunities. For example, "Her capability to grasp complex theories quickly made her an asset to the research team."

What can I say instead of "capability to grasp"?

You can use alternatives like "ability to understand", "capacity to comprehend", or "potential to grasp" depending on the context.

Is "capability to grasp" formal or informal?

"Capability to grasp" leans towards the formal side. In more casual conversations, consider using ""ability to understand"" or "easy to understand" for a more relaxed tone.

What is the difference between "capability to grasp" and "ability to grasp"?

While very similar, "capability" suggests a potential or inherent capacity, while "ability" implies a demonstrated skill. You might say someone has the "capability to grasp" a new language, but they demonstrate the ""ability to understand"" it after taking a class.