starting to grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting to grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is beginning to understand or comprehend a concept or idea. Example: "After several explanations, she is finally starting to grasp the complex theory behind quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Image construction is something that even adults are only starting to grasp – and it's not just tomorrow's impact that matters.

The Guardian - Tech

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

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

The Guardian

Many millions of horrified Americans are starting to grasp that we can't politely stand by watching families, lands and liberties get slashed beyond repair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, nearly 10 minutes after the blackout had swept from Michigan to Connecticut, monitoring officials in the Midwest were just starting to grasp how far the crisis had spread.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 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

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting to grasp" to indicate the initial phase of understanding a complex subject or idea. It suggests a process rather than complete comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "starting to grasp" when complete understanding is achieved. Instead, use phrases like "fully understand" or "completely comprehend".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to grasp" functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund, indicating the commencement of understanding or comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting to grasp" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression indicating the beginning of comprehension. Ludwig AI validates this, highlighting its common use across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While not extremely frequent, it effectively conveys the initial phase of understanding a concept. For alternatives, consider phrases like ""beginning to understand"" or "coming to realize". It's important to use this phrase when someone is just beginning to understand, avoiding it when full comprehension is achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning to understand

Focuses on the initial stage of comprehension, similar to "starting to grasp".

starting to comprehend

A more formal synonym for "starting to grasp", emphasizing intellectual understanding.

coming to realize

Highlights the gradual process of becoming aware of something.

developing an understanding of

Emphasizes the progression and building of knowledge.

beginning to perceive

Focuses on the initial stage of becoming aware through the senses or intuition.

getting a handle on

An idiomatic expression indicating gaining control or understanding.

gaining an appreciation for

Suggests a growing understanding and valuing of something.

becoming aware of

Focuses on the gradual process of becoming conscious or informed.

forming a mental picture of

Highlights the creation of a concept or idea in the mind.

getting the hang of

An informal way of saying someone is beginning to understand how to do something.

FAQs

What does "starting to grasp" mean?

It means beginning to understand something that was previously unclear or difficult. It implies an initial phase of comprehension.

How can I use "starting to grasp" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's gradual understanding, such as: "After the lecture, the students were "beginning to understand" the complex theory."

What are some alternatives to "starting to grasp"?

You can use alternatives like ""beginning to understand"", "coming to realize", or "developing an understanding of" depending on the context.

Is "starting to grasp" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "beginning to comprehend" exist.