does he comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does he comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about someone's understanding or grasp of a particular subject or situation. Example: "After explaining the concept several times, I still wonder, does he comprehend the material?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Mitwissers' daughter thinks about the suicidally rich James: "did he not comprehend what it was to be without papers, to have no passport, to cower before a uniform, to pay for forged papers, to bribe to get genuine papers, to learn afterward that they were no longer valid, never to have good papers, a genuine passport!

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Habelow listens to a language he doesn't comprehend until he hears his name, the cue provided by his Spanish-speaking partner, Sony Lugo.

The New York Times

The female's individuality, which he is acutely aware of, but which he doesn't comprehend and isn't capable of relating to or grasping emotionally, frightens and upsets him and fills him with envy.

Vice

His poetic text places the Christian in general, including the listener at Bach's time or any time, in the situation of the disciples: he is pictured as wanting to follow Jesus even in suffering, although he does not comprehend.

Wikipedia

He does not comprehend, and also fines him additionally for trying to evade justice.

The New Yorker

Scott Pruitt does not understand even basic climate science, and he doesn't comprehend that climate change will be bad for human society.

The Guardian

He does not comprehend the fuss his form is generating so was taken aback when Didier Drogba telephoned recently to urge him to play for the country of his birth.

The Guardian - Sport

With the address, Mr. McCain labored to overcome the impression that he does not understand the economy well, and the idea being pushed by his Democratic rivals that he does not comprehend the economic pain felt by many Americans.

The New York Times

Physically abused as a child, Judd wants to keep Shiloh because he does not comprehend why people are so interested in rescuing the abused dog.

Wikipedia

Paul confesses that he does not comprehend the nature of these ecstatic spiritual experiences, whether they were "in the body, or out of the body" but he believed that the voice he heard, the figure he saw and the messages he received were encounters with the heavenly Christ (2 Corinthians 12 2-3 12 2-3

HuffPost

Did they comprehend their plight?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does he comprehend" when you want to inquire about someone's capacity to fully grasp or understand a complex idea or situation.

Common error

While "comprehend" is a valid word, avoid using it unnecessarily when a simpler word like "understand" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does he comprehend" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically designed to elicit information about a third-person singular subject's level of understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does he comprehend" is a grammatically sound interrogative clause used to inquire about someone's level of understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Although semantically similar to "does he understand", "comprehend" suggests a deeper and more thorough level of understanding. While deemed correct and usable, the register leans towards neutral to formal contexts, making it less common in casual conversation. Alternatives such as ""does he understand"" or ""does he grasp it"" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Does he understand?

Replaces "comprehend" with the simpler word "understand".

Does he grasp it?

Uses "grasp" to convey understanding, employing a more informal tone.

Is he aware of?

Focuses on awareness rather than full comprehension.

Is he cognizant of?

Uses a more formal synonym for "aware".

Does he perceive?

Emphasizes the process of becoming aware through the senses.

Did he get the message?

More colloquial, implying understanding of an implicit communication.

Is he following?

Suggests understanding a line of reasoning or a sequence of events.

Does he appreciate?

Focuses on understanding the value or significance.

Does he realize?

Implies understanding something previously unknown.

Is he with me?

Informal way to ask if someone understands your point.

FAQs

What is the difference between "does he comprehend" and "does he understand"?

While similar, "comprehend" suggests a deeper, more thorough understanding than "understand". You might use "comprehend" when discussing complex or abstract ideas, while "understand" is suitable for more general situations.