has a basic grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

"has a basic grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's level of understanding or knowledge about a certain topic or issue. For example, "John has a basic grasp of Spanish grammar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to university officials, the applicants lacked enthusiasm and did not have a basic grasp of English.

The Guardian

It is aimed at children who already have a basic grasp of numbers, simple math, telling the time and knowing the difference between odd and even numbers.

The New York Times

As a sector if we are employing staff who don't have a basic grasp of the English language how can we hope to deliver personalised care plans?

The Guardian

Although President Sirleaf who had earlier admitted that the education system was "a mess"—intervened to ensure the admittance of 1,800 applicants, a university spokesman declared that the applicants did not even have a basic grasp of English.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chinese radio quoted an unnamed official who said, "We have a basic grasp of the overall disaster situation, and there won't be thousands or tens of thousands of fatalities".

The New York Times

But in order to make those links, you have to first track down the certificates - and it really helps to have a basic grasp of the way in which the records are organised.

The Guardian

The study argues that by the time pupils leave compulsory education, it is as important for them to have a basic grasp of computer science as it is for them to be able to read and write.

The Guardian

I'd already caught Jan Klata's production of Polish classic Danton's Case in Nitra, Slovakia, so I had a basic grasp of what everyone on stage was up to.

The Guardian

Damian Green, the UK's immigration minister, said that many students at London Metropolitan University (LMU) had no right to be in the country, and that LMU had failed to implement basic checks, such as tracking course attendance or ensuring that students had a basic grasp of English.

The Economist

What is desperately needed is some way of giving enthusiastic programmers of all ages who have a basic grasp and mindset for the subject, but do not have that crucial one year's commercial experience, an opportunity to attain it.Maybe some sort of apprenticeship scheme, subsidies or tax breaks?

The Economist

Leo Tolstoy's epic story of five aristocratic families experiencing Napoleon's invasion of Russia is famous enough for me to have a basic grasp of the plot and an awareness of (some) of the central characters and I know it's long – very long.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has a basic grasp", ensure that the context clarifies what the subject understands. For example, "She has a basic grasp of French grammar" is clearer than just "She has a basic grasp."

Common error

Avoid using "has a basic grasp" when the individual's knowledge is more advanced. Using it for someone with intermediate skills can diminish their actual proficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a basic grasp" functions as a verb phrase indicating possession of a minimal understanding or introductory knowledge of a subject. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to describe someone's familiarity with concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has a basic grasp" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a foundational level of understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various registers, including neutral and professional contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news media and scientific publications. When using "has a basic grasp", ensure the context clearly specifies the subject of understanding and be mindful of not overestimating the proficiency of the individual being described. Understanding semantically similar phrases, such as "possesses a fundamental understanding" can help writers convey slightly altered meanings to convey better the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possesses a fundamental understanding

Replaces "grasp" with "understanding" and "basic" with "fundamental", focusing on comprehension.

has a rudimentary knowledge

Substitutes "grasp" with "knowledge" and "basic" with "rudimentary", suggesting an initial level of acquaintance.

is acquainted with the basics

Changes the structure to emphasize familiarity with the foundational elements.

possesses an elementary command

Uses "command" instead of "grasp" and "elementary" instead of "basic", indicating a primary level of control or knowledge.

has a preliminary understanding

Replaces "basic" with "preliminary", highlighting the introductory nature of the understanding.

is conversant with the fundamentals

Emphasizes the ability to discuss or understand the core aspects of a subject.

has a working knowledge of the essentials

Indicates practical understanding of the essential aspects.

has a superficial awareness

Suggests a surface-level understanding, less deep than a "grasp".

maintains a limited familiarity

Implies a restricted or constrained level of acquaintance.

demonstrates a novice's insight

Uses "novice's insight" to show the understanding is at a beginner level.

FAQs

How can I use "has a basic grasp" in a sentence?

You can use "has a basic grasp" to indicate that someone understands the fundamental aspects of a subject. For example, "The new employee "has a basic grasp" of the company's policies."

What can I say instead of "has a basic grasp"?

You can use alternatives like "possesses a fundamental understanding", "has a rudimentary knowledge", or "is acquainted with the basics" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "has a basic understanding" or "has a basic grasp"?

Both "has a basic understanding" and ""has a basic grasp"" are acceptable. "Understanding" might imply a slightly deeper comprehension, but the difference is minimal. The choice often depends on personal preference.

Which is correct, "has a basic grasp on" or "has a basic grasp of"?

"Has a basic grasp of" is the correct and more common phrasing. While "has a grasp on" is acceptable in some contexts, "has a basic grasp of" is generally preferred for indicating understanding of a subject.