grasp of the fundamentals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grasp of the fundamentals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's understanding or comprehension of basic principles or concepts in a particular field or subject. Example: "To succeed in advanced mathematics, a solid grasp of the fundamentals is essential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Some grasp of the fundamentals can be helpful.

The Washington Post

I don't believe that Ishai Menuchin has a strong grasp of the fundamentals of democracy.

The New York Times

This one-day class will give you a firm grasp of the fundamentals of programming.

Stanford University

They are being selected for their understanding of the game, their grasp of the fundamentals, their versatility, their ability to hit a medium-range jump shot.

The New York Times - Sports

A course that focuses solely in making programming fun is not likely to have students walk away with a solid grasp of the fundamentals.

Computer Languages, Systems & Structures

Physics imbues an understanding of mathematics in a practical environment, a stronger grasp of the fundamentals of science, and a confidence that tasks can be broken into achievable constituent elements.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

No matter how much of a natural athlete someone is, it's really hard to get a grasp on the fundamentals of skateboarding.

Vice

Does he have even the most cursory grasp of the fundamental dispute between the two parties over it?

The Washington Post

It is a relatively simple dinner to prepare well if you have a good grasp of the fundamental techniques.

The New York Times

The company's chairman and chief executive, William W. McGuire, was well liked and viewed as having a strong grasp of the fundamental issues of managed care.

The New York Times

In the contemporary world, as our grasp of the fundamental values and principles of human rights and humanitarianism weakens, we risk losing our rights, responsibilities and our power to uphold human dignity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of basic knowledge in a field, use "grasp of the fundamentals" to convey a sense of thorough understanding. This phrase is suitable for academic, professional, and general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "grasp of the fundamentals" when discussing advanced or specialized topics. The phrase implies a focus on basic principles, which may be irrelevant in highly technical discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grasp of the fundamentals" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms it is used to describe someone's understanding or comprehension of basic principles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grasp of the fundamentals" is a commonly used noun phrase that highlights the importance of understanding basic principles in various fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "understanding of the basics" exist, "grasp of the fundamentals" conveys a more secure and comprehensive understanding. Therefore, it is a valuable phrase to emphasize the significance of a solid foundation for success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehension of basic concepts

Highlights the ability to understand and interpret fundamental ideas.

understanding of the basics

Focuses on basic knowledge rather than a more profound comprehension.

knowledge of essential principles

Emphasizes awareness and information about core concepts.

mastery of foundational elements

Implies a high level of skill and control over the basic aspects.

insight into fundamental aspects

Indicates a deep understanding and intuitive grasp of essential elements.

familiarity with core ideas

Suggests a basic acquaintance and understanding of central concepts.

appreciation of underlying principles

Focuses on recognizing and valuing the importance of fundamental concepts.

awareness of basic tenets

Stresses the recognition and understanding of foundational beliefs or doctrines.

proficiency in elementary aspects

Highlights skill and competence in the most basic parts of a subject.

expertise in primary components

Implies specialized knowledge and skill in the core building blocks of a field.

FAQs

How can I use "grasp of the fundamentals" in a sentence?

You can use "grasp of the fundamentals" to emphasize the importance of basic knowledge in a field. For instance, "A strong "understanding of the basics" is essential for success in this course."

What's a good alternative to "grasp of the fundamentals"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "knowledge of essential principles", ""understanding of the basics"", or "comprehension of basic concepts".

Is it more appropriate to say "grasp of the fundamentals" or "understanding of the fundamentals"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "grasp of the fundamentals" suggests a more thorough and secure understanding. "Understanding of the fundamentals" implies a basic awareness, while "grasp" suggests a firm hold on the subject.

In what contexts is "grasp of the fundamentals" most relevant?

"Grasp of the fundamentals" is particularly relevant in educational, training, and professional settings where a solid foundation of basic knowledge is crucial for further learning or success. It is also applicable when discussing the "mastery of foundational elements" in sports or arts.