capable of comprehending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of comprehending" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to understand or grasp concepts, ideas, or information. Example: "The new software is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those with minimal technical knowledge are capable of comprehending its features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He believes that nature is rationally comprehensible, and that we, as creatures of nature, are (perhaps the only such creatures) capable of comprehending nature rationally.

University of California, Berkeley

The derived values indicate the extent to which each tunnel version is capable of comprehending its threats and vulnerabilities based on its elements.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

The donor representatives who govern DAC are perfectly capable of comprehending the obsolescence of 10%, but the dynamics of the body drive toward least-common-denominator consensus and inertia.

The Guardian

He suggests that any theory of the universe, any comprehensive mesh of physics and biology, will need to succeed in "showing how the natural order is disposed to generate beings capable of comprehending it".

The New Yorker

Locke pointed out that, before they could make progress, they would need to consider the prior question of what the human mind is (and is not) capable of comprehending.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Pretty much invariably," he curtly told me, their objections "are based on simple ignorance". Among the bands of that spectrum that de Grey will not confine to a bushel is his feeling that his is one of the few minds capable of comprehending the biology of his formulations, the scientific and societal logic upon which they are based, and the vastness of their potential benefits to our species.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Man cannot comprehend what is of God," he said.

The New York Times

It proved to those who were skeptical that women were just as capable as men of comprehending difficult subjects.

Britannica

Huge and complex, the American economy has in recent years been aided by a global web of finance so elaborate that no one seems capable of fully comprehending it.

The New York Times

So, while making comparisons, you have to see which firm is better capable to comprehend and then translate your ideas.

WikiHow

"In reason", Jefferson says, "[Blacks are] much inferior [to Whites], as I think one could scarcely be found capable of tracing and comprehending the investigations of Euclid" ([N]: 139).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of comprehending", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being comprehended. For instance, instead of saying "He is capable of comprehending", specify "He is capable of comprehending complex scientific theories".

Common error

Avoid using "capable of comprehending" when a simpler term like "understand" suffices. Using complex phrasing in simple situations can make your writing sound pretentious. Opt for simpler terms when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of comprehending" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something's ability to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe the capacity for understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of comprehending" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's ability to understand, particularly complex or abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal register. While "able to understand" serves as a simpler alternative, "capable of comprehending" emphasizes a deeper, more profound understanding. Its use should be reserved for situations where the complexity of the material being understood warrants a more sophisticated term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to understand

Focuses on the basic ability to understand, simpler and more direct.

able to grasp

Emphasizes the act of seizing or understanding something quickly.

able to fathom

Highlights the ability to understand something complex or mysterious.

competent to understand

Indicates a sufficient level of skill or knowledge to understand.

equipped to understand

Suggests having the necessary tools or preparation to understand.

in a position to understand

Highlights the circumstances that allow for understanding.

intelligent enough to understand

Focuses on the level of intelligence required for understanding.

smart enough to understand

Similar to 'intelligent enough', but less formal.

having the capacity to understand

Emphasizes the inherent ability or potential for understanding.

possessing the faculty to understand

Highlights the mental power or ability to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of comprehending" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of comprehending" to describe someone's ability to understand something. For example, "The students are "capable of comprehending" the material after the lecture".

What's the difference between "capable of comprehending" and "able to understand"?

"Capable of comprehending" is often perceived as more formal and emphasizes the capacity for deeper understanding, while "able to understand" is more general and focuses on the basic ability to grasp something.

What are some alternatives to "capable of comprehending"?

Alternatives include "able to understand", "able to grasp", or "competent to understand depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is "capable of comprehending" formal or informal?

"Capable of comprehending" tends to be more formal and is often used in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "able to understand" are more common.