reasonable grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sufficient understanding or comprehension of a subject or topic. Example: "After completing the course, I feel I have a reasonable grasp of the fundamental concepts in physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A reasonable grasp of certain aspects of the law is also essential when it comes to renting a property.

The Guardian - Money

He named these people "ideologues," by which he meant not that they are fanatics but that they have a reasonable grasp of "what goes with what" — of how a set of opinions adds up to a coherent political philosophy.

The New Yorker

The next day, he interviewed a deputy mayor of Malmö, who appeared to have a reasonable grasp on the relevant crime statistics and a plausible explanation for the city's recent spike in murders.

The New Yorker

Monstrously egotistical and surrounded by adulation, he nevertheless kept a reasonable grasp on the possible; forever taking false steps in politics, he emerged essentially unbeaten and superficially successful in nearly everything he attempted to do. Henry VIII has always seemed the very embodiment of true monarchy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were perhaps half a dozen men in England with a reasonable grasp of architectural theory but none with the confidence to bring the art of building within the intellectual range of Royal Society thought that is, to develop it as an art capable of beneficial scientific inquiry.

Britannica

Once you have a reasonable grasp on the situation and your allies know what you're dealing with, it's okay to back away.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Here's a modest proposal: what if the government took it on board to promote a reasonable, sane grasp of risk, security, and probability?

The Guardian - Tech

Would that bring the child back? 4. Harambe fatally harms the child while a zoo official or our adorable Ms. Cuoco had gone in to the enclosure to have a sensible dialogue with Harambe and cozen our tyke from his very reasonable albeit formidable grasp.

Huffington Post

The court ruled that a reasonable person would have grasped the connection between the symptoms and the abuse much sooner.

The New York Times

A gradual change between kinetic mechanisms was grasped with a reasonable inter-dependency of the kinetic parameters.

Chemical Engineering Science

Succession was assured so long as younger talent had a reasonable shot at one day grasping the golden reins of power (e.g. partaking of profit-per-partner).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable grasp", ensure the context clarifies what subject or topic is being understood. For example, "a reasonable grasp of calculus" is clearer than simply "a reasonable grasp."

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable grasp" when describing expertise or mastery. This phrase indicates a moderate level of understanding, not advanced proficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable grasp" functions as a noun phrase, where "reasonable" modifies "grasp". It describes the extent or quality of one's understanding, indicating a moderate or sufficient level of comprehension. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reasonable grasp" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a moderate level of understanding or comprehension. As Ludwig confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While it's suitable for many situations, remember that it doesn't imply expertise. Alternatives like "solid understanding" or "adequate comprehension" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure it's clear what subject or topic is being understood to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid understanding

Indicates a firm and well-founded comprehension, suggesting a slightly stronger level of understanding than "reasonable grasp".

adequate comprehension

Emphasizes that the understanding is sufficient for a particular purpose, highlighting functionality.

fair understanding

Suggests an unbiased and balanced level of comprehension, focusing on impartiality.

competent understanding

Highlights the ability to apply the understanding effectively, stressing capability.

basic knowledge

Refers to a foundational level of understanding, implying simplicity and essential concepts.

working knowledge

Implies practical experience and the ability to use the knowledge effectively in real-world situations.

functional understanding

Focuses on the practical application of knowledge, ensuring it serves a specific purpose effectively.

general awareness

Indicates a broad but not necessarily detailed understanding, suitable for introductory contexts.

sufficient appreciation

Emphasizes a level of understanding that allows one to value or recognize the importance of something.

initial acquaintance

Denotes a very early stage of understanding, suitable for first encounters with a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable grasp" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable grasp" to describe someone's understanding of a subject, such as "After the course, I had a "reasonable grasp" of the topic".

What can I say instead of "reasonable grasp"?

Alternatives to "reasonable grasp" include "solid understanding", "adequate comprehension", or "basic knowledge", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "reasonable grasp of" or "reasonable understanding of"?

Both "reasonable grasp of" and "reasonable understanding of" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "reasonable grasp" and "comprehensive understanding"?

"Reasonable grasp" implies a moderate, sufficient understanding, while "comprehensive understanding" suggests a thorough and complete knowledge of the subject.