comprehension of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comprehension of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the understanding or grasp of a particular subject or concept. Example: "The comprehension of complex theories is essential for advanced studies in science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Comprehension of the mechanisms involved needs further investigation.

Pain

But the gossipy townspeople have no comprehension of such things.

The New York Times - Arts

Retailers just don't have any comprehension of what that means".

The New York Times

Early lowlights: Paul Hollywood's comprehension of British dietary failures.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But her comprehension of what drives him is limited.

The Economist

It is the incremental step propelling our comprehension of events.

The New York Times

Forget about pronunciation or any comprehension of the term.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chefs were equally awed by Mr. Palladin's almost instinctive comprehension of ingredients.

The New York Times

"As a Catholic, I think I finally had a comprehension of the Resurrection," Ms. Ford said.

The New York Times

Unlike many aging former All-Stars, he has no comprehension of his declining skill and agility.

The New York Times - Sports

He seems to have no comprehension of evidence-based medical practice: hence his enthusiasm for homeopathy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comprehension of" when you want to emphasize the act or state of understanding complex or abstract concepts. For simpler, more general understanding, consider "understanding of" as a more direct alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "comprehension of" in contexts where a simpler term like "understanding" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted. For example, instead of "the comprehension of basic instructions", use "understanding basic instructions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comprehension of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun to specify the object of understanding. Ludwig shows it's used to indicate a deep or thorough understanding, aligning with its function of specifying the scope of understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comprehension of" is a prepositional phrase used to express a thorough understanding of something, especially complex or abstract topics. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While "understanding of" can often be a simpler alternative, "comprehension of" emphasizes a deeper level of understanding. The phrase is most frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a formal tone. Remember to reserve this phrase for contexts where a complete and thorough understanding is being emphasized, and avoid overuse in simpler contexts to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding of

Replaces "comprehension" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure.

grasp of

Uses a different noun to convey a similar meaning of understanding or command over a subject.

awareness of

Emphasizes a state of being conscious or informed about something.

knowledge of

Focuses on possessing information or facts about a particular topic.

appreciation of

Highlights a valuing or recognition of the significance of something.

perception of

Suggests an interpretation or way of viewing something.

insight into

Implies a deeper level of understanding, often gained through analysis or experience.

recognition of

Focuses on acknowledging or identifying something.

discernment of

Highlights the ability to distinguish or differentiate between things.

interpretation of

Emphasizes the act of explaining or understanding the meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "comprehension of" in a sentence?

You can use "comprehension of" to indicate a deep understanding or grasp of a subject. For instance, "His comprehension of quantum physics was remarkable." It's often used with complex topics or abstract ideas.

What are some alternatives to "comprehension of"?

Alternatives include "understanding of", "grasp of", or "awareness of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "comprehension of" and "understanding of"?

While similar, "comprehension of" often implies a more thorough and complete understanding, particularly of complex or abstract subjects. "Understanding of" can be more general.

When is it best to use "comprehension of" over other similar phrases?

Use "comprehension of" when you want to emphasize a deep and complete understanding of a complex topic. It is suitable for academic, scientific, or formal contexts where precision is important.