trying to grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trying to grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an effort to understand or comprehend something that may be complex or difficult to understand. Example: "I am trying to grasp the concepts presented in this advanced physics course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are trying to grasp the nettle.

The Guardian

For now, though, Cubans are trying to grasp basic details.

The New York Times

He is still trying to grasp what that means.

The New York Times - Sports

This is what I'm still trying to grasp".

The New York Times - Sports

There is a precise presence I am trying to grasp.

The Guardian - Film

"I'm still floating, trying to grasp the impact," Parish said.

The New York Times - Sports

She started by trying to grasp the size of the problem.

The New York Times

At the same time I stared at the girl, trying to grasp her meaning.

The New Yorker

It appeared like she was still trying to grasp what had happened.

The New York Times

Reconstructing a long-ago recording session is like trying to grasp a fistful of quicksilver.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm trying to grasp that dream I've always had".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an attempt to understand complex emotions or abstract ideas, "trying to grasp" can effectively communicate the struggle involved. For example, "She was trying to grasp the concept of quantum entanglement."

Common error

Avoid using "trying to grasp" when a simpler verb like "understanding" or "learning" would suffice. Overusing it in straightforward situations can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. Choose the verb that best reflects the complexity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trying to grasp" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an effort to comprehend or understand something. This is evident from Ludwig examples where individuals are "trying to grasp" complex concepts, situations, or emotions. It expresses an active attempt to gain understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Sports

10%

Books

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trying to grasp" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates an active effort to understand something complex or elusive. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to personal narratives. While "trying to grasp" is widely appropriate for formal and informal use, it is best used in circumstances when simpler expressions such as "understand" are not enough to highlight the active process of comprehension. To provide an alternative the phrases "attempting to understand", "striving to comprehend", or "seeking clarity on" may suit the situation best.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempting to comprehend

Focuses on the act of trying to fully understand something complex.

making an effort to understand

Focuses on the conscious attempt to gain understanding.

striving to understand

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in gaining understanding.

struggling to comprehend

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in achieving understanding.

working towards understanding

Suggests a process or journey towards comprehension.

endeavoring to perceive

Highlights the attempt to become aware of something through the senses or mind.

aiming to understand

Specifies the goal or intention of achieving comprehension.

seeking to fathom

Implies a deeper level of understanding, often of something mysterious or profound.

seeking clarity on

Emphasizes the search for clear and unambiguous understanding.

working to decipher

Suggests the act of unraveling a complex or obscure message or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "trying to grasp" when describing an effort to understand something complex or difficult. For example: "The students were "attempting to comprehend" the professor's lecture on astrophysics."

What are some alternatives to "trying to grasp"?

Alternatives to "trying to grasp" include "attempting to understand", "striving to comprehend", or "working to decipher". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it more appropriate to use "trying to understand" instead of "trying to grasp"?

"Trying to understand" is generally suitable for straightforward comprehension, while "trying to grasp" implies a more active and challenging effort to comprehend something complex or elusive. Consider the difficulty of the subject matter when choosing between the two.

Is "trying to grasp" formal or informal language?

"Trying to grasp" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it conveys a sense of effort, it is not overly colloquial and is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.