we are able to comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are able to comprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity to understand or grasp information or concepts. Example: "After reviewing the material thoroughly, we are able to comprehend the complex theories presented in the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The pressure to compete inundates us from the moment we are able to comprehend what it means.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That really makes a big difference to us as humans, because on the one hand it makes us realize that we're very powerful in that we're able to comprehend and see all of this universe.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this analysis it was not necessary to perform the selective coding, since we were able to comprehend the critical success factors after the open and axial coding.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

The more we commune with the Spirit of Christ, the more life and truth we are exposed to and are able to comprehend.

Huffington Post

The lower rate of success indicates progressively challenging activities, but we observe that even students who are unable to reach the expected conclusions on their own are able to comprehend the methodologies during the postactivity discussions.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Individuals with this form of aphasia are able to comprehend speech but have great difficulty expressing their thoughts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

New words are created every day by people who are able to comprehend their meanings before they exist.

The New Yorker

Success and affirmation also ensure that all students are able to comprehend and keep pace as the text is read, and are ready for elaborations of meanings.

Functional Linguistics

Different features are presented and validated from a basic case study, where the students are able to comprehend the main concepts of relaying devices.

Electric Power Systems Research

First of all, it is abundantly clear that very few governments are able to comprehend the complex risks of derivatives.

Huffington Post

Some nonhuman individuals are able to comprehend human symbols in the sense that they respond to them in human-like ways.

Animal Cognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "we are able to comprehend" with simpler alternatives like "we can understand" or "we understand".

Common error

Avoid using "we are able to comprehend" in contexts where simpler alternatives would suffice. Overly complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious and less accessible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are able to comprehend" is to express the ability or capacity to understand something. Ludwig shows that it's used to indicate understanding or grasping of concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are able to comprehend" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the capacity to understand or grasp something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While simpler alternatives like "we understand" exist, "we are able to comprehend" offers a slightly more nuanced emphasis on capability. It's important to consider the context and audience when choosing between these options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can understand

This alternative is simpler and more direct, replacing "are able to comprehend" with the more concise "can understand".

we have the capacity to understand

This alternative emphasizes the inherent capability to understand, using a more formal tone.

we are capable of grasping

This alternative uses "grasping" instead of "comprehending", suggesting a more immediate understanding.

we are in a position to understand

This alternative focuses on being in a suitable state or circumstance for understanding something.

we are able to grasp the meaning of

This alternative specifies that it is the 'meaning' that is being comprehended.

we are in a position to apprehend

This alternative utilizes "apprehend," which is a more formal synonym for understanding, thus slightly changing the tone.

understanding is within our capabilities

This is a passive construction of the original phrase.

we are able to perceive

Here, "perceive" is used as a replacement for "comprehend", suggesting an understanding derived from sensory input or intuition.

we possess the insight to understand

This phrase suggests that the understanding comes from a deeper, more insightful perspective.

we are equipped to comprehend

This alternative means prepared or trained to understand.

FAQs

What is a simpler way to say "we are able to comprehend"?

You can use phrases like "we understand", "we can understand", or "we grasp" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "we are able to comprehend" and "we can comprehend"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "we can comprehend" is often preferred for its conciseness and directness. "We are able to comprehend" can sometimes imply a specific effort or capability in a given situation, but in many contexts, they are interchangeable.

How can I use "we are able to comprehend" in a sentence?

You can use it to express your understanding or ability to understand something, such as "After reviewing the data, we are able to comprehend the trends" or "we are able to comprehend the implications".

What are some more formal alternatives to "we are able to comprehend"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we possess the capacity to understand" or "we are capable of understanding". These alternatives emphasize inherent ability or potential.