What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
comprehension
Example
The student's comprehension of the text improved after rereading it. [comprehension: noun]
Example
She struggled with comprehension of the complex scientific concepts. [comprehension: noun]
grasp
Example
I finally grasped the concept after watching the tutorial video. [grasped: verb]
Example
He has a good grasp of the subject matter. [grasp: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Comprehension is more commonly used in educational or academic contexts, while grasp is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between comprehension and grasp?
Comprehension is more formal than grasp, which can be used in a wider range of formality levels.