do you comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do you comprehend" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to confirm that they have understood something. For example: "I just explained the process to you; do you comprehend?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

How do you comprehend the sheer quantity of things he achieved on an almost daily basis?

The Guardian

Are you conversant with the ways of the Bermuda grasses, and do you comprehend how the inclination of their blades to one direction or another affects what rolls upon them?

The New Yorker

We moved the ball very well - how do you comprehend losing a game like that? "We were looking very comfortable, worthy of going in at half-time 1-0 up.

BBC

Do you comprehend that any attack on any of God's children is an attack on ourselves?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Do you even comprehend that?

Vice

Do you really think they comprehend the gibberish words coming out of your mouth anyways?

Huffington Post

So she should be thrilled by the release of Fashion, a film about the modelling business that is so laden with cliches and bad acting that not only do you need no Hindi to comprehend it, you don't even need to see it.

The Guardian - Film

Students, do you have a hard time comprehending that racial discrimination was legal until the 1960s?

The New York Times

If you take notes while reading a lame Chemistry book or Don Quixote, it doesn't matter if you don't think you comprehend it; you will earn that knowledge.

WikiHow

And do you know what that does to me? Do you understand or comprehend how completely that destroys me?

Huffington Post

"I like you, but you just don't comprehend how naive you are.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do you comprehend" when you want to emphasize a deeper level of understanding or a more formal tone than "do you understand".

Common error

Avoid using "do you comprehend" in very casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or even pretentious. "Do you understand" or simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do you comprehend" functions as an interrogative clause, seeking confirmation of understanding from the listener. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and used in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its function in soliciting a response regarding comprehension.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do you comprehend" is a grammatically correct phrase used to ask if someone understands something, often implying a deeper or more thorough level of understanding than simply asking "do you understand". Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While correct, its more formal tone makes it less common in everyday conversation but suitable for professional and analytical contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. Alternatives like "do you understand" or "do you grasp" may be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do you understand

Uses a more common and direct synonym for comprehend.

do you grasp

Employs a more figurative verb to convey understanding.

do you follow

Indicates understanding in the context of a sequence or explanation.

are you aware

Shifts the focus slightly to being informed rather than fully understanding.

are you cognizant

Uses a more formal synonym for aware, indicating knowledge.

do you perceive

Focuses on whether someone recognizes or notices something.

can you appreciate

Highlights the ability to understand the value or significance of something.

do you recognize

Concerns with the recognition of a thing or a situation.

are you conscious of

Emphasizes awareness of something, often a problem or issue.

are you sensible of

Highlights the quality of being aware of a situation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "do you comprehend"?

Use "do you comprehend" when you want to emphasize a deeper understanding or in more formal settings. It suggests a more thorough grasp of the subject than simply "understanding".

What's the difference between "do you comprehend" and "do you understand"?

"Do you comprehend" implies a more complete and thorough understanding than "do you understand". While they are often interchangeable, "comprehend" suggests grasping nuances and complexities.

What can I say instead of "do you comprehend"?

You can use alternatives like "do you understand", "do you grasp", or "do you follow" depending on the context.

Is "do you comprehend" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "do you comprehend" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "do you get it?" or "do you understand" are often more suitable.