grasp of the principles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grasp of the principles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's understanding or comprehension of fundamental concepts or ideas. Example: "Her grasp of the principles of physics allowed her to excel in her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

McDonnell, like Allen, seems to have a rather shaky grasp of the principles of intellectual inquiry.

The New York Times

Mr. Green's dewy romantic imagery, self-pitying tone and feeble grasp of the principles of poetic scansion suggest the powerful influence of Rod McKuen, a celebrated poet of the 1970's who has since fallen into disrepute.

The New York Times

Radiologists should have a basic grasp of the principles behind the re-design and engineering of these devices, once considered to be an absolute contraindication to scanning.

Insights into Imaging

Ancient Egyptian mathematicians had a grasp of the principles underlying the Pythagorean theorem, knowing, for example, that a triangle had a right angle opposite the hypotenuse when its sides were in a 3 4 5 ratio.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet he had a fine grasp of the principle described.

The New York Times - Science

LIKE the other audiotapes that have preceded it, the tape of Osama bin Laden that surfaced last week was a demonstration of Al Qaeda's grasp of the principle of economy of means: you can commandeer world attention with a $20 cassette recorder in the same way you can commandeer an airplane with $3 box cutters.

The New York Times

"When a matter could lead to execution, it behoves those in a position of authority to ensure they have a grasp of the basic principles," he said.

The Guardian

I have been participating in the program since 2004, and I feel I have a good grasp of the basic principles of how to choose keywords and write ads.

The New York Times

In this dynamic context, a grasp of the ethical principles and history underlying clinical genetics will provide clinicians with the tools to guide their practice and help patients navigate complex medical-psychosocial terrain.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes

Except a meaningful grasp of the elementary principle that nobody wants to follow a scowling, sullen, self-absorbed leader.

The New York Times - Sports

Riccardo Tisci has a firm grasp of this principle, having since 2005 held the reins of the storied house of Givenchy, which is opening a new store in Paris this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grasp of the principles" when you want to emphasize someone's ability to understand and apply fundamental concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "grasp of the principles" to simply indicate memorization. Ensure the context suggests a deeper understanding and application, not just rote learning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grasp of the principles" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the degree of understanding someone has regarding fundamental concepts. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from intellectual inquiry to scientific understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grasp of the principles" is a noun phrase denoting a solid understanding of fundamental concepts. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct, though used less frequently than alternatives like "understanding of the principles". It's commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. To effectively use this phrase, focus on conveying genuine comprehension, not just rote memorization. Enhance your understanding by actively engaging with the material and seeking clarification. Remember, a deep "grasp of the principles" is key to applying knowledge effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understanding of the principles

Replaces "grasp" with a more common synonym, "understanding".

comprehension of the principles

Substitutes "grasp" with "comprehension", suggesting a more thorough understanding.

knowledge of the principles

Replaces "grasp" with "knowledge", indicating a possession of information.

mastery of the principles

Indicates a high level of skill and understanding of the principles.

command of the principles

Emphasizes control and skillful use of the principles.

familiarity with the principles

Indicates an acquaintance or comfort level with the principles, rather than deep understanding.

expertise in the principles

Suggests specialized knowledge and skill in applying the principles.

insight into the principles

Highlights a deeper, more intuitive understanding of the principles.

awareness of the principles

Suggests a basic recognition or consciousness of the principles.

appreciation of the principles

Implies an understanding and valuing of the principles.

FAQs

What does "grasp of the principles" mean?

A "grasp of the principles" refers to a solid understanding and comprehension of fundamental concepts or ideas in a particular subject or field.

How can I improve my "grasp of the principles" in a specific area?

To enhance your "grasp of the principles", focus on actively engaging with the material, applying concepts in practical scenarios, and seeking clarification on areas of confusion. Consider resources like "understanding of the principles".

Is it better to have a "grasp of the principles" or just memorize facts?

Having a "grasp of the principles" is generally more valuable than mere memorization, as it allows for flexible application and problem-solving in diverse contexts. While memorization has its place, a deep understanding provides a more robust foundation.

What are some alternatives to "grasp of the principles"?

Alternatives include "understanding of the principles", "comprehension of the principles", or "knowledge of the principles", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.