start to comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of beginning to understand something. Example: "After several explanations, I finally started to comprehend the complex theory behind quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

You can't really start to comprehend what it must be like.

The Guardian

This, you start to comprehend – although actually you sensed it from that very first view along the avenue – is not some chilly, perfect nude.

The Guardian - Arts

(Though there is some evidence that they can imitate on-screen actions, it isn't until they reach 18 to 24 months that they really start to comprehend what they see).

The New York Times

That night, at the church, Keaton Henson, that is very rare in public because he suffers from stage fright, gave a very intense performance - he was himself overwhelmed by emotion - and was kind enough to give us a key, so perhaps we could start to comprehend the depth of his inner world.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it was not until one of the steepest price rises in food history that the mainstream media really started to comprehend the grain's importance.

Rice

1. America's Vacation Deficit Disorder: Workers are starting to comprehend the strong relationship between wellness and taking time off (AKA vacations); with enlightened employers leading the charge.

Huffington Post

And I know they compare Bigfoot to the tooth fairy or whatever, but I'm here to tell you that's going to stop really quick, because people are starting to comprehend what I did.

Vice

Indeed, we have just started to comprehend the breadth of their actions in changing gene expression in normal and abnormal states.

Clinical Epigenetics

In adults, although RSV infection was identified with pneumonia in the 1960s, we only started to comprehend its importance on adult respiratory infections two decades ago [ 9– 12].

BMC Infectious Diseases

The dysregulation of vascular factors in diabetic glomerulopathy is now much better understood, and we are starting to comprehend the mechanisms downstream of the primary metabolic and hemodynamic insults responsible for the alteration in glomerular capillary permeability.

Diabetes Care

Now, they can begin to comprehend it.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start to comprehend", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the beginning of a process of understanding, rather than complete understanding. For example, use it when describing the initial stages of learning a new concept or skill.

Common error

Avoid using "start to comprehend" when you actually mean to express full comprehension. If you completely understand something, use phrases like "I comprehend" or "I understand fully" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to comprehend" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples show the phrase being used to express the beginning of grasping a concept or situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start to comprehend" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies the beginning of understanding a concept or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides examples across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the initial stage of grasping an idea. When using "start to comprehend", consider alternatives like "begin to understand" or "start to grasp" for slight variations in emphasis. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the stage of understanding you wish to convey, avoiding its use when complete comprehension is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to understand

Focuses on the initial stage of gaining understanding; more general than "start to comprehend".

start to grasp

Emphasizes the initial effort of seizing or understanding something, often something complex.

start to realize

Highlights the beginning of becoming aware or conscious of something.

start to perceive

Indicates the initial stage of becoming aware through the senses or intuition.

start to fathom

Implies beginning to deeply understand or explore something mysterious or complex.

begin to appreciate

Highlights the initial stage of recognizing the value or significance of something, differing from pure comprehension.

start to get a handle on

Indicates beginning to gain control or understanding of a situation or problem.

start to make sense of

Focuses on the initial process of finding meaning or coherence in something.

start to decode

Suggests the initial attempt to decipher or interpret something, often something encoded or obscure.

slowly begin to understand

Emphasizes the gradual and progressive nature of developing understanding.

FAQs

What does "start to comprehend" mean?

The phrase "start to comprehend" means to begin to understand something. It indicates the initial stage of grasping a concept or idea.

How can I use "start to comprehend" in a sentence?

You can use "start to comprehend" to describe the process of beginning to understand something. For example: "After the lecture, I "started to comprehend" the theory."

What can I say instead of "start to comprehend"?

You can use alternatives like "begin to understand", "start to grasp", or "start to realize" depending on the specific context.

Is "start to comprehend" formal or informal?

"Start to comprehend" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, simpler alternatives like "begin to understand" might be preferred in very informal settings.