getting to grips with something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting to grips with something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of understanding or dealing with a difficult situation or concept. Example: "After several weeks of study, I finally feel like I'm getting to grips with the new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Society

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"What really excites me is the unknown," Wilson says, "and getting to grips with something you have no idea about".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ben Martin, professor of science and technology policy studies at the University of Sussex, says that while he agrees that if you get money from the taxpayer, the taxpayer should expect something in return, "the process of getting to grips with something as slippery as impact is flawed".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everyone has offered help and that somehow makes it enjoyable to get to grips with something like this".

The Guardian

But physicist will want even better data and preferably a steady stream of it to get to grips with something that is statistically significant.

MIT Technology Review

But don't we need to ban some junk food or to tax, say, sugary drinks if we are going to get to grips with something as serious as obesity, which is costing the NHS an estimated £6bn a year?

The Guardian

Spending time with them introduced me to verlang – the slang that swaps the beginning and end of words – very annoying for anyone only just getting to grips with a language, but something I now know to listen out for.

The Guardian

Many employers still prefer not to know just how bad it is in their organisation rather than getting to grips with the data and doing something about it".

The Guardian - Business

But this is something airlines are getting to grips with now because there are new systems in place where pilots can be forewarned.

Vice

"It's something I'm still getting to grips with," he admits.

Vice

He is still getting to grips with the National Gallery.

The Guardian - Arts

Not a single idea for getting to grips with it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting to grips with something", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject or topic being understood. This phrase is best suited for describing the initial stages of understanding a complex issue.

Common error

Avoid using "getting to grips with something" when the context requires indicating complete mastery. This phrase implies an ongoing process of understanding, not a state of full expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting to grips with something" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig indicates that this is a correct and usable expression. Its main role is to describe the process of starting to understand or deal with a complex issue or new concept.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting to grips with something" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the process of beginning to understand or deal with a complex issue or new concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, though it appears most frequently in news and media sources. While similar to phrases like "becoming familiar with something", it carries a specific nuance of initiating comprehension. When using this phrase, ensure the context appropriately reflects an ongoing process of understanding rather than complete mastery. As Ludwig shows, it often describes efforts to learn new skills or address complex problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to grips with something

A more formal variation with a similar meaning.

getting a handle on something

Focuses more on control and management of a situation.

becoming familiar with something

Emphasizes the process of learning and knowing something well.

getting acquainted with something

Similar to becoming familiar, but often implies an initial introduction or early stage of learning.

getting the hang of something

More informal and suggests mastering a skill or process.

getting to know something

Highlights the aspect of gaining knowledge or understanding through experience.

grappling with something

Suggests a more intense effort to understand or overcome a challenge.

getting up to speed with something

Focuses on reaching a required level of knowledge or skill quickly.

getting conversant with something

Implies becoming knowledgeable and able to discuss a topic intelligently.

mastering something

Indicates a high level of proficiency and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "getting to grips with something" in a sentence?

You can use "getting to grips with something" to describe the process of understanding or learning something new. For example, "She is finally getting to grips with the complexities of quantum physics."

What's a more formal alternative to "getting to grips with something"?

A more formal alternative is "coming to grips with something", which carries a similar meaning but is often preferred in professional or academic contexts.

Is "getting to grips with something" the same as "mastering something"?

No, "getting to grips with something" implies an initial understanding, while "mastering something" suggests a high level of proficiency and complete understanding.

Can I use "getting to grips with something" when referring to emotions?

While primarily used for concepts and subjects, "getting to grips with something" can be used metaphorically for emotions, suggesting an attempt to understand or manage them. For example, "He's getting to grips with his grief after the loss."