comprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'comprehension' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an understanding of something. For example, "I was pleased with my student's comprehension of the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In many cases of brain injury, communication problems can result: impairments of speech, comprehension or literacy, and the loss of confidence that comes with these disabilities.

The Guardian

Still, its keen sense of drama renders comprehension less than essential.

The Guardian - Music

"It was that understanding, his comprehension of what it is to be a writer – always to the barricades".

The Guardian

Courtney Vail, the programs and campaigns manager at US-based Whale and Dolphin Conservation, said Waza's actions were "beyond comprehension".

The Guardian

The murder of a helpless infant only a few weeks old in circumstances of brutality which almost defy belief is an appalling crime beyond comprehension".

The Guardian

We can understand why a minority of people are profoundly upset by abortion, but this arcane marriage dispute is beyond the ordinary comprehension of anyone not guided by the Bible.

The Guardian - Opinion

The utter lack of comprehension about why people vote Tory, or indeed don't vote at all, has been galling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Louis Walsh might have looked like a spare wheel at times – like a bewildered old man sitting on the end of the judging table, trying to mask his utter lack of comprehension at all the sounds and colours whizzing before his eyes by repeating the same three platitudes over and over again – but he's always been The X Factor's secret weapon.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Farage said the byelection meant the result of next year's general election was "unpredictable beyond comprehension".

The Guardian

Likewise, much of the US right wing appears to have seized upon American Sniper with similarly shallow comprehension – treating it with the same unconsidered, rah-rah reverence that they would the national anthem or the flag itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

– comprehension activity This resource is designed for key stage 2 students and has some fascinating facts about comets such as what they're made of and where they come from.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When assessing someone's "comprehension", specify the area of knowledge, for example, "reading comprehension" or "mathematical comprehension".

Common error

Avoid using "comprehension" when a simpler word like "understanding" would suffice. "Understanding" is more appropriate for everyday situations, while "comprehension" is better suited for formal or technical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "comprehension" is as a noun, typically referring to the ability to understand something fully. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in sentences from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comprehension" is a noun that signifies a thorough understanding. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While "understanding" is a close synonym, "comprehension" often implies a deeper and more comprehensive grasp of complex subjects. When using "comprehension", ensure that the context warrants its formality. Alternatives like "grasp" or "awareness" may be suitable in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding

Focuses more on the mental process of grasping something.

grasp

Implies a firm understanding or control of a subject.

awareness

Emphasizes being conscious or informed about something.

insight

Highlights a deeper, more intuitive understanding.

perception

Refers to the way something is understood or interpreted.

knowledge

Focuses on the information and facts someone possesses.

recognition

Highlights the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

interpretation

Emphasizes the explanation or meaning assigned to something.

apprehension

Implies grasping the meaning or significance, sometimes with a sense of anxiety.

assimilation

Focuses on integrating new information into existing knowledge.

FAQs

How do I use "comprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "comprehension" to describe someone's understanding of a subject, such as, "Her "reading comprehension" improved after practice" or "The student demonstrated excellent "comprehension of the topic"".

What can I say instead of "comprehension"?

You can use alternatives like "understanding", "grasp", or "awareness" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "comprehension" and "understanding"?

"Comprehension" often implies a more complete and thorough grasp of complex information, while "understanding" can refer to a more general or basic awareness.

Is "comprehension" a formal word?

Yes, "comprehension" is generally considered a more formal term than "understanding" and is often used in academic, technical, or professional contexts.