thoroughly comprehending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly comprehending" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the deep understanding or grasp of a subject or concept. Example: "After several weeks of study, I feel that I am thoroughly comprehending the complexities of quantum physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Taking into account the preliminary versions that each team produced, the country case studies were all read in their entirety several times, an essential process for thoroughly comprehending and analyzing their content.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

One prim footnote reads: "We do not thoroughly comprehend the author's drift in the foregoing paragraph, but are inclined to think its tone reprehensible, and its tendency impolitic in the present stage of our national difficulties".

The New York Times

Since the tire is the only element of the vehicle that contacts the icy road, it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the friction mechanism at the tire ice interface for improved tires and safety systems for icy roads.

Journal of Terramechanics

which Will help the student thoroughly to comprehend hira.

Columbia University

"It is not permissible to quote a verse, or part of a verse, without thoroughly considering and comprehending everything that the Qur'an and Hadith relate about that point," the letter notes, undermining the group's legal theory.

Vice

The classics of the time were to be memorized completely and comprehended thoroughly before being cited.

Wikipedia

After he had heard [Aristotle's] Ethics many times, comprehending it so thoroughly that his teachers found him hard to cope with in disputation, he studied the Politics assiduously.…Indeed, it may be said of him that he was the first of the Signori who took up philosophy and had knowledge of the same.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their concern is that prolonged use of the internet with its smorgasbord of tantalising titbits of information is producing a generation of magpie minds, as users hop from one bright trinket to another, rarely focussing long enough on any one topic to comprehend it thoroughly.

The Economist

"What?" he replied, not comprehending.

The New York Times

HAVING difficulty comprehending Germany's political shenanigans?

The Economist

A little pot relaxes them into comprehending.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly comprehending" when you want to emphasize the depth and completeness of understanding, particularly when discussing complex or nuanced topics. For example, "After extensive research, she is thoroughly comprehending the nuances of the economic model."

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly comprehending" in contexts where simple "understanding" suffices. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. Ask yourself if the "thorough" aspect is truly necessary to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly comprehending" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the act of deeply understanding something, as Ludwig examples show. This emphasizes the process and completeness of understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly comprehending" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase used to convey a deep and complete understanding of a subject. While deemed correct by Ludwig, it's a relatively rare phrase, primarily found in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts. Alternatives like "fully understanding" or "deeply grasping" may be more common and contextually appropriate. When using "thoroughly comprehending", ensure it adds value by emphasizing the depth of understanding, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts. The analyzed sources indicate that this phrase is fitting for educated and professional communications, where conveying a strong grasp of a topic is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully understanding

Focuses on the completeness of understanding, replacing "thoroughly comprehending" with a more common synonym.

completely grasping

Emphasizes the act of seizing or understanding something in its entirety, using a different verb.

deeply understanding

Highlights the depth of understanding, suggesting a more profound level of comprehension.

having a complete grasp

Uses a noun phrase to convey the idea of complete understanding, changing the grammatical structure.

gaining a thorough understanding

Focuses on the process of achieving a complete understanding, rather than the state of having it.

comprehending in detail

Emphasizes attention to the particulars, similar to understanding thoroughly.

understanding comprehensively

Uses an adverb to modify "understanding", highlighting the all-encompassing nature of the comprehension.

having full comprehension

Expresses complete understanding through a noun phrase, offering a formal alternative.

absolutely understanding

Conveys a sense of certainty in understanding, adding a layer of emphasis.

mastering completely

Implies a high level of skill or expertise in understanding a subject, going beyond basic comprehension.

FAQs

What does "thoroughly comprehending" mean?

The phrase "thoroughly comprehending" means having a complete and deep understanding of something. It suggests more than just a superficial grasp; it implies grasping all aspects and nuances of the subject matter.

How can I use "thoroughly comprehending" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly comprehending" in a sentence to describe someone's deep understanding of a topic. For example, "After years of study, he is now "thoroughly comprehending" the principles of quantum mechanics."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly comprehending"?

Some alternatives to "thoroughly comprehending" include "fully understanding", "deeply grasping", or "completely understanding". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "thoroughly comprehending" formal or informal?

While not overly formal, "thoroughly comprehending" leans towards a more educated and articulate register. In very casual settings, simpler terms like "really understanding" might be more appropriate.