to thoroughly comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to thoroughly comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to understand something in depth or with complete clarity. Example: "In order to succeed in this course, it is essential to thoroughly comprehend the material presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

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

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

In this serious-minded and meticulously detailed book, Brody is too forgiving of some of Godard's later, lesser work, but his urge to assess it thoroughly seems to spring from a heartfelt desire to comprehend this complicated and, by most accounts, thoroughly disagreeable man.

The New York Times - Books

To comprehend, they need to learn how to "decode text".

WikiHow

She tried to watch, and she tried to comprehend.

The New Yorker

Aim instead to allow everyone who reads your writing to comprehend exactly what you wanted them to comprehend.

WikiHow

Is it possible to ever comprehend it?

The New Yorker

Take a second to fully comprehend that.

The Guardian - Film

By thoroughly explaining and documenting each step, it is easy for a person without prior experience to comprehend and follow this protocol rather than attempt to run or even develop it on his/her own.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to thoroughly comprehend" when you want to emphasize the importance of understanding something completely and in detail. It's particularly useful in academic, scientific, or technical contexts where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "to thoroughly comprehend" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in situations where a simpler phrase like "to understand fully" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to thoroughly comprehend" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. As Ludwig AI suggests, its grammatical role is to indicate the reason or objective behind an action, emphasizing a deep level of understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to thoroughly comprehend" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to emphasize the need for a complete and detailed understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While versatile, its formality makes it more suited to academic, scientific, or technical contexts than casual conversation. Alternatives like "to fully understand" or "to completely grasp" can provide similar meaning with a less formal tone. Remember that while the phrase is usable and correct, overuse in informal situations may sound pretentious, so adapt to your writing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to fully understand

Emphasizes completeness of understanding rather than the process of achieving it.

to completely grasp

Focuses on the act of seizing or taking hold of the idea.

to deeply understand

Highlights the depth of understanding achieved.

to gain a complete understanding

Stresses the result of achieving full understanding.

to comprehensively understand

Similar to "thoroughly", but leans towards a wider scope of understanding.

to have a thorough understanding

Shifts the focus to possessing a complete understanding as a state.

to appreciate fully

Focuses on understanding something with the added element of valuing it.

to discern completely

Emphasizes the process of perceiving or recognizing something clearly.

to realize fully

Highlights the moment of becoming aware of something completely.

to digest thoroughly

Uses a metaphorical image of processing information completely.

FAQs

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

You can use "to thoroughly comprehend" when you want to emphasize the need for a complete and detailed understanding of a topic. For example: "It is crucial "to thoroughly comprehend" the instructions before assembling the furniture."

What's a simpler way to say "to thoroughly comprehend"?

Alternatives include "to fully understand", "to completely grasp", or "to deeply understand" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "to thoroughly comprehend" too formal for everyday language?

While grammatically correct, "to thoroughly comprehend" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "to understand well" or "to get it" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "to comprehend" and "to thoroughly comprehend"?

"To comprehend" means to understand something, while ""to thoroughly comprehend"" emphasizes the completeness and depth of that understanding. The latter suggests a more detailed and comprehensive grasp of the subject.