started to grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the beginning of understanding or comprehending a concept or idea. Example: "After several explanations, she finally started to grasp the complex theory behind quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

What to do? Pakistan's military has finally started to grasp the dangers of extremism.

The New York Times

A cover band played rock and country music as attendees slowly started to grasp their achievement in winning the caucuses.

The Guardian

It wasn't until the ad drought of 2008 and the rise of social media and mobile computing that companies really started to grasp the potential of live publishing.

The New York Times

As he started to grasp snippets of proofs and the evolution of ideas, he noticed something else interesting: he was actually enjoying himself.

The New York Times

Daryl Morey, Houston's general manager, said the season turned when the Rockets started to grasp the new offense installed by Adelman, who is in his first year here.

The New York Times - Sports

But, as the months passed and the King continued to hover, Hercules started to grasp the inky depths of Penelope's daddy issues, and at times he could not tell if he was her boyfriend or some kind of peculiar erotic proxy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

In addition, although we're only starting to grasp how catchphrases shape how people think, it's possible to begin prescribing some novel suggestions to enhance creativity.

The New York Times

But when you consider the similar demographic trend – one in four under-10s is non-white – you start to grasp the scale of the Tory challenge.

The Guardian - Opinion

As they do this, I can see them starting to grasp the information literacy concept that information is constructed and contextual.

The Guardian

Close contact with someone working on the "inside" also means that students start to grasp more about the realities of what her working life is like.

The Guardian

And Germany is slowly starting to grasp that the EU can't just be an export market with a stable currency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to grasp" when you want to emphasize the initial stage of understanding a concept or idea. For example, "After the lecture, the students started to grasp the nuances of the theory."

Common error

Avoid using "started to grasp" in situations where a simpler term like "understood" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to grasp" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of understanding or comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The examples show its usage across various contexts, from political analysis to personal insights.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to grasp" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the initial stage of understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal or informal alternatives as needed. The phrase is versatile and can effectively communicate the beginning of comprehension in various situations. Remember to avoid overusing it in simple contexts where a more direct synonym would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to understand

Focuses on the initiation of understanding, using a more direct synonym.

began to comprehend

Emphasizes a more complete or thorough understanding.

started to realize

Focuses on the dawning of understanding or insight.

commenced to perceive

More formal and emphasizes initial perception.

initiated comprehension

Formal and highlights the start of a complex understanding process.

became aware of

Highlights the realization or awareness aspect.

began to discern

Suggests a gradual and subtle understanding.

started to fathom

Emphasizes understanding something deep or complex.

began to assimilate

Focuses on incorporating knowledge into one's understanding.

started to appreciate

Highlights the beginning of a deeper, often emotional, understanding.

FAQs

What does "started to grasp" mean?

The phrase "started to grasp" means to begin to understand or comprehend something. It indicates the initial phase of understanding a concept or idea.

What can I say instead of "started to grasp"?

You can use alternatives like "began to understand", "started to realize", or "began to comprehend" depending on the specific context.

Is "started to grasp" formal or informal?

"Started to grasp" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "commenced to perceive" might be preferred in very formal writing.

How to use "started to grasp" in a sentence?

Example: "After the detailed explanation, he finally "started to grasp" the complexities of the project."