failed to grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'failed to grasp' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when someone doesn't understand or comprehend something. For example: Despite being given several explanations, the student failed to grasp the concept.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something George W Bush failed to grasp.

The Guardian - Business

Many robots failed to grasp a single item.

The Economist

When victory was at hand, he failed to grasp it.

The New York Times - Books

But Mr. Sharon failed to grasp the opportunity.

The New York Times

"I totally failed to grasp what it meant".

The New York Times

Conventional political wisdom failed to grasp the gravity of what was being launched.

University of California, Berkeley

Regulatory agencies failed to grasp the full extent of the problem.

University of California, Berkeley

Like the Bush Administration, the Democrats have failed to grasp the political dimensions of the struggle.

The New Yorker

Or had she perhaps failed to grasp some important meaning concealed in his words?

The New Yorker

Ms. Di Tolla tried out charades, miming strange happenings that her audience failed to grasp.

The New York Times - Arts

In retrospect, Mr. Crichton's 1980s view failed to grasp an increasingly competitive and global world economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer more direct synonyms like "failed to understand" or "didn't comprehend" when the context calls for simplicity or clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to grasp" when a simpler phrase like "didn't understand" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious. Choose the clearest and most direct language appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to grasp" functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of comprehension or understanding. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts where someone does not fully understand a concept or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failed to grasp" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating a lack of understanding or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, it serves to express that someone did not fully understand a concept or situation. While generally neutral to professional in register, simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings. When choosing to use this phrase, consider whether you want to emphasize a lack of fundamental understanding and make sure it is the most appropriate choice for the context. It has multiple alternative phrases such as "failed to understand", "failed to comprehend", or "missed the point".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to understand

Replaces "grasp" with "understand", a more direct synonym for comprehension.

failed to comprehend

Substitutes "grasp" with "comprehend", emphasizing a complete understanding.

failed to realize

Focuses on a lack of awareness or recognition, rather than pure understanding.

failed to perceive

Highlights a lack of sensory or intellectual awareness.

missed the point

Emphasizes a failure to understand the central idea or argument.

didn't get the message

Indicates a failure to understand an implicit communication.

overlooked

Suggests a neglect or failure to consider something important, leading to misunderstanding.

were oblivious to

Emphasizes a lack of awareness or attentiveness to something.

remained ignorant of

Highlights a continued state of lacking knowledge or understanding.

did not appreciate

Implies a failure to fully understand the value or importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to grasp" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to grasp" to indicate a lack of understanding. For example, "Despite the detailed explanation, he failed to grasp the concept."

What are some alternatives to "failed to grasp"?

Some alternatives include "failed to understand", "failed to comprehend", or "missed the point", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "failed to grasp" formal or informal?

"Failed to grasp" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "didn't get it" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "failed to grasp" and "failed to realize"?

"Failed to grasp" focuses on a lack of understanding or comprehension, while "failed to realize" emphasizes a lack of awareness or recognition. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a cognitive misunderstanding or a lack of awareness.