grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to understanding or comprehending a concept or idea. Example: "It took me a while to fully grasp the complexities of quantum physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For those still too sleepy to grasp the show's theme of simultaneously serving God and Mammon, there was more to come.

The Guardian - Business

We have failed to grasp the nature of this crisis because we have misunderstood the nature of privacy.

The Guardian - Tech

"We've got a great opportunity but we're only going to grasp that opportunity if we get out there and work harder than we've ever worked before," she said.

The Guardian

"Having that done to me I was able to grasp what was going on in the script.

The Guardian - Film

Iceland have never qualified for a major international tournament, but the 2014 play-offs could be within their grasp.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, misery is detectable only in its works, and I manage to grasp something of the sorrow and bedlam that Jade has been through when I glimpse the old photograph of her.

The Guardian

I have struggled to grasp the reasons for this apathy among finance staff.

The Guardian

If ever I struggled with concepts in the set reading, I'd just go along to seminars and ask – hearing a tutor explain your subject is a big help when you're trying to grasp new concepts.

The Guardian

Westerners eager to grasp an Arab perspective on the conflict have boosted traffic to the site - more than 40% of its visitors are from the US, the station told the Wall Street Journal.

The Guardian

Blackwood's stories assert a deeper reality which, like the spectral skater, is always just "a little farther on, a little higher" than humans can grasp.

The Guardian - Books

Parkinson said governments had to get serious about adjusting the tax mix, look at raising more revenue through indirect taxes such as the GST and grasp genuine reform of the federation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to understanding complex or abstract concepts, "grasp" is often more appropriate than simpler alternatives like "know" or "hear".

Common error

Avoid using "grasp" when a simpler word like "understand" suffices. Overusing "grasp" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious. Remember that while they can have similar meaning, each has a different connotation that may make one a better choice than another.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "grasp" is a verb, used transitively to indicate the act of understanding something, either intellectually or physically taking hold of something. Ludwig examples shows how it can be used to understand a concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Sport

14%

Books

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

2%

Opinion

8%

Arts

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the analysis confirms that the word "grasp" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile term in the English language. Ludwig AI validated this through its "aiResponseStatus". It's frequently used in the English language, particularly within News & Media, emphasizing a firm and complete understanding or a decisive seizure. For alternative expressions, consider "comprehend", "seize", or "understand", being mindful of the subtle differences in nuance. When writing, use "grasp" to convey assurance and intellectual authority, but avoid overuse to maintain clarity. By grasping these nuances, you can effectively wield this word to enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Understand

A more general term for gaining knowledge or awareness.

Comprehend

Focuses on understanding something complex.

Apprehend

Implies a more formal or intellectual understanding.

Realize

Implies becoming aware or understanding something suddenly.

Seize

Emphasizes taking hold of an opportunity quickly and decisively.

Fathom

Suggests a deeper, more insightful understanding.

Figure out

Suggests solving a problem or mystery to understand.

Take hold of

Focuses on the physical act of grasping or seizing.

Get the hang of

Focuses on learning how to do something.

Latch onto

Emphasizes clinging to an idea or opportunity.

FAQs

How to use "grasp" in a sentence?

You can use "grasp" to mean 'understand' as in, "I struggle to grasp the concept." Or to mean 'seize' as in, "They need to grasp the opportunity."

What can I say instead of "grasp"?

You can use alternatives like "comprehend", "seize", or "understand" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grasp" or "get"?

Both "grasp" and "get" can indicate understanding, but "grasp" implies a more complete or firm understanding, whereas "get" is more informal. The best choice will always come down to context and intent.

What's the difference between "grasp" and "fathom"?

"Grasp" suggests a general understanding, while "fathom" implies a deeper, more insightful, or thorough understanding of something complex.