grasp of concrete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grasp of concrete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's understanding or comprehension of tangible or specific concepts, often in contrast to abstract ideas. Example: "Her grasp of concrete examples helped clarify the complex theory for the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Their strengths are to large extents related to their understanding of the technical and scientific issues involved and grasp of concrete cases, their familiarity with laboratory work, as well as their credibility when communicating with fellow scientists.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

As Walter Jackson Bate puts it, "one of the ironies of literary history is that its most compelling and authoritative symbol of common sense of the strong, imaginative grasp of concrete reality should have begun his adult life, at the age of twenty, in a state of such intense anxiety and bewildered despair that, at least from his own point of view, it seemed the onset of actual insanity".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This sort of cultural blaming and shaming is all too common in the wake of a tragedy, when commentators grasp for concrete and cohesive answers to lend some semblance of closure.

The New Yorker

First, "grasping" which consists of concrete experiences and abstract conceptualisation.

BMC Medical Education

Those who inhabit this shiny bubble have no concrete grasp of what happens when the genie of ethnic hatred is released from its bottle.

The New York Times

Whereas an abstractist may claim that experience of architectural objects is solely a matter of intellectual grasp, even an anti-abstractist formalist needs the sensory as well to account for experience of concrete shapes.

SEP

"The closer we get to opening," she said, "and the more visual it is, where it's not just a mass of concrete and you're stepping over wires and boards, then it's easier for investors to grasp".

The New York Times - Arts

The venom of this description, like the undisguised pleasure that Arendt took in leaving Israel — "I have never before grasped the concrete meaning of 'relief' so clearly," she wrote at the end of a 1955 trip — suggests the great emotional forces at play.

The New Yorker

Nine feet of concrete.

The New Yorker

He lays each course of concrete blocks.

The New Yorker

It was a landscape of concrete.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract theories, enhance clarity by illustrating them with examples that demonstrate a "grasp of concrete" applications. This makes the theory more accessible and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "grasp of concrete" when you simply mean something is tangible. "Grasp of concrete" specifically refers to the understanding or comprehension of something real and specific, not just its physical presence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grasp of concrete" functions as a noun phrase describing the ability to understand or comprehend real, tangible examples or concepts. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts where a clear understanding of specifics is crucial.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grasp of concrete" describes the ability to understand tangible or specific concepts, often in contrast to abstract ideas. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. Although examples are relatively rare, usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To improve clarity in your writing, use "grasp of concrete" when you specifically want to highlight the understanding of real-world, tangible details and avoid using it when you simply mean that something is tangible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding of tangible concepts

Focuses specifically on the understanding aspect, highlighting tangibility as the core element.

comprehension of real-world examples

Emphasizes the comprehension of examples that are grounded in reality.

practical understanding of specifics

Stresses the practical application and detailed understanding of particular aspects.

appreciation for palpable details

Highlights the value and recognition of details that are easily perceived or felt.

awareness of material facts

Focuses on being conscious and informed about facts related to physical matter or reality.

insight into physical realities

Suggests a deeper, more profound understanding of physical aspects.

knowledge of factual instances

Emphasizes possessing information about actual occurrences or cases.

discernment of solid evidence

Highlights the ability to distinguish and recognize substantial evidence.

perception of visible realities

Focuses on how visible or apparent realities are understood or interpreted.

real-world comprehension

Places emphasis on the realness of the world as comprehension relates to it.

FAQs

How can I use "grasp of concrete" in a sentence?

You can use "grasp of concrete" when describing someone's understanding of tangible or specific concepts. For example, "Her quick "grasp of concrete" details helped the team solve the problem efficiently."

What's a good alternative to "grasp of concrete"?

Alternatives include "understanding of tangible concepts", "comprehension of real-world examples", or "practical understanding of specifics", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "grasp of concrete" in formal writing?

Yes, "grasp of concrete" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing someone's ability to understand or work with real, tangible examples. However, ensure that the context aligns with its specific meaning rather than a more general sense of understanding.

What is the difference between "grasp of concrete" and "grasp of reality"?

"Grasp of concrete" refers to understanding specific, tangible details or examples, while "grasp of reality" refers to a broader understanding and acceptance of the world as it is, often in contrast to delusion or fantasy.