Are you apprehensive about the difference between apprehension and comprehension? Fear not, for we are here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding these two words.
We should clarify that both apprehension and comprehension are proper words in the English language. However, they have different meanings and usage.
Apprehension refers to the act of understanding or perceiving something, often with a sense of fear or anxiety. It can also mean the arrest of a criminal suspect. On the other hand, comprehension refers to the act of understanding something fully, grasping its meaning and implications.
Throughout this article, we will delve deeper into the nuances of these two words and explore how they are used in different contexts.
Define Apprehension
Apprehension refers to the act of understanding something in a way that is fearful or anxious. It is a state of mind where one is uncertain or uneasy about a particular situation or concept. Apprehension can be characterized by feelings of dread, nervousness, and worry.
Apprehension can also be used to describe the act of apprehending or arresting someone who has committed a crime. In this context, apprehension refers to the act of taking someone into custody.
Define Comprehension
Comprehension, on the other hand, refers to the act of understanding something in a way that is clear and complete. It is a state of mind where one has a full grasp of a particular situation or concept. Comprehension can be characterized by feelings of clarity, certainty, and confidence.
Comprehension can also be used to describe the act of including or encompassing something. In this context, comprehension refers to the act of fully understanding and including all aspects of a particular situation or concept.
| Apprehension | Comprehension |
|---|---|
| Fearful or anxious understanding | Clear and complete understanding |
| Feelings of dread, nervousness, and worry | Feelings of clarity, certainty, and confidence |
| Act of apprehending or arresting someone who has committed a crime | Act of fully understanding and including all aspects of a particular situation or concept |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using words correctly in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. Misusing words can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “apprehension” and “comprehension” properly in a sentence.
How To Use Apprehension In A Sentence
Apprehension is the feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad may happen. Here are some examples of how to use apprehension in a sentence:
- She felt a sense of apprehension as she walked through the dark alley.
- The apprehension of the suspect was a relief to the community.
- He approached the job interview with apprehension, unsure if he was qualified.
As you can see, apprehension is typically used to describe a feeling of anxiety or fear.
How To Use Comprehension In A Sentence
Comprehension is the ability to understand something. Here are some examples of how to use comprehension in a sentence:
- The teacher tested the students’ comprehension of the material.
- He struggled with the comprehension of the complex scientific theory.
- Her comprehension of the foreign language improved with practice.
As you can see, comprehension is typically used to describe the ability to understand something.
More Examples Of Apprehension & Comprehension Used In Sentences
In order to gain a better understanding of the difference between apprehension and comprehension, it can be helpful to see these words used in real-life examples. Here are some sentences that demonstrate the proper usage of both words.
Examples Of Using Apprehension In A Sentence
- She felt a sense of apprehension as she walked into the dark alley.
- He had a look of apprehension on his face as he approached the stage.
- The apprehension of the suspect was a relief to the entire community.
- Her apprehension about public speaking was evident in her shaky voice.
- The teacher’s apprehension about the upcoming test was palpable.
- The dog barked loudly, causing apprehension in the small child.
- He felt a sense of apprehension as he signed the contract without reading it.
- The apprehension of the dangerous criminal was a major victory for law enforcement.
- She tried to hide her apprehension as she stepped onto the rollercoaster.
- The company’s financial troubles caused apprehension among its investors.
Examples Of Using Comprehension In A Sentence
- Her comprehension of the complex scientific theory was impressive.
- He demonstrated his comprehension of the material by acing the test.
- The student’s lack of comprehension was evident in his poor grades.
- She struggled with her comprehension of the foreign language.
- The book’s author showed a deep comprehension of the subject matter.
- His comprehension of the legal system was crucial in winning the case.
- The teacher’s comprehension of the students’ needs led to a successful lesson plan.
- She gained a greater comprehension of the issue after conducting extensive research.
- His lack of comprehension of the instructions led to a failed project.
- The audience’s comprehension of the play’s themes was evident in their emotional reactions.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using apprehension and comprehension, there are common mistakes that people tend to make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning. Therefore, it is essential to understand the differences between these two words and use them correctly.
Using Apprehension And Comprehension Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using apprehension and comprehension interchangeably. Although these words are related, they have different meanings. Apprehension refers to the act of understanding or perceiving something, usually something that is not well-known or familiar. On the other hand, comprehension refers to the act of understanding something that is known or familiar.
For example, if someone says, “I have an apprehension about this new project,” it means they have some doubts or concerns about it. However, if someone says, “I have a good comprehension of this new project,” it means they understand it well.
Another example is when someone says, “I apprehend the situation,” it means they have a general idea of what is happening. However, if someone says, “I comprehend the situation,” it means they have a complete understanding of what is happening.
Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it is essential to understand the meanings of apprehension and comprehension and use them in the right context. Here are some tips to help:
- Use apprehension when referring to something that is not well-known or familiar.
- Use comprehension when referring to something that is known or familiar.
- Think about the context in which you are using these words and choose the right one.
- Read and practice using these words in different contexts to improve your understanding.
By following these tips, you can avoid making common mistakes and use apprehension and comprehension correctly in your writing and communication.
Context Matters
Choosing between apprehension and comprehension depends on the context in which they are used. While both terms are related to understanding, they differ in their scope and purpose. Apprehension is a quick and intuitive understanding of a concept or situation, while comprehension is a deeper and more systematic understanding of the same.
Examples Of Different Contexts
The choice between apprehension and comprehension can change depending on the context in which they are used. Here are some examples:
Education
In education, apprehension is useful when learning new concepts or skills quickly. For example, a student might apprehend the meaning of a new word by guessing its definition from the context. However, comprehension is necessary for a deeper understanding of the subject matter. For example, a student might comprehend the meaning of a word by studying its etymology, usage, and connotations.
Business
In business, apprehension is useful when making quick decisions based on limited information. For example, a manager might apprehend the market trends by looking at the sales figures of the last quarter. However, comprehension is necessary for a strategic understanding of the market. For example, a manager might comprehend the market trends by analyzing the consumer behavior, the competition, and the economic indicators.
Law
In law, apprehension is useful when making a preliminary assessment of a case. For example, a lawyer might apprehend the legal issues involved in a dispute by reading the complaint and the answer. However, comprehension is necessary for a thorough understanding of the case. For example, a lawyer might comprehend the legal issues by researching the statutes, the case law, and the legal commentary.
Medicine
In medicine, apprehension is useful when making a provisional diagnosis based on the symptoms. For example, a doctor might apprehend the cause of a fever by examining the patient’s throat and ears. However, comprehension is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. For example, a doctor might comprehend the cause of the fever by ordering blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with specialists.
Therefore, the choice between apprehension and comprehension depends on the context in which they are used. Both are valuable skills that complement each other and enhance our understanding of the world.
Exceptions To The Rules
Identifying Exceptions
While the rules for using apprehension and comprehension are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. These exceptions occur when the context of the sentence or the intended meaning of the speaker or writer changes the way the words are used.
It is important to keep these exceptions in mind to avoid confusion and ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed clearly.
Exceptions And Explanations
| Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| When discussing legal matters | In legal contexts, apprehension may refer to the arrest or detention of a suspect, while comprehension may refer to a defendant’s understanding of their rights and the charges against them. | “The suspect was taken into apprehension by the police.” “The defendant demonstrated comprehension of the charges against them.” |
| When discussing emotions | Apprehension may refer to a feeling of anxiety or fear, while comprehension may refer to a deeper understanding or appreciation of a situation or experience. | “She felt a sense of apprehension as she approached the haunted house.” “After studying abroad, he gained a greater comprehension of the world and its cultures.” |
| When discussing cognitive processes | Apprehension may refer to the process of perceiving or understanding something, while comprehension may refer to the process of interpreting or analyzing that information. | “The student demonstrated apprehension of the material through their ability to answer the questions.” “The researcher’s comprehension of the data led to new insights and discoveries.” |
By understanding these exceptions, you can use apprehension and comprehension more effectively in a variety of contexts.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between apprehension and comprehension, it is time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (apprehension or comprehension) to fill in the blank in each sentence.
- Her __________ of the subject was limited, so she struggled to answer the questions on the test.
- The police officer had a feeling of __________ when he approached the suspect.
- After reading the article twice, she finally had a full __________ of the author’s argument.
- The student’s __________ of the complex math problem was impressive.
Answer Key:
- comprehension
- apprehension
- comprehension
- comprehension
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the words (apprehension and comprehension) correctly.
| Word | Sentence |
|---|---|
| apprehension | After hearing strange noises outside, I felt a sense of apprehension. |
| comprehension | After studying for hours, I finally had a full comprehension of the material. |
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word (apprehension or comprehension) to complete each sentence.
- __________ is the ability to understand something.
- __________ is the feeling of anxiety or fear about something.
- She had a full __________ of the complex scientific theory.
- His __________ of the situation was clouded by his emotions.
Answer Key:
- Comprehension
- Apprehension
- Comprehension
- Apprehension
By completing these practice exercises, you will be able to improve your understanding and use of apprehension and comprehension in your writing and communication.
Conclusion
After reading this article, it is clear that apprehension and comprehension are two important concepts in the understanding of grammar and language use. Apprehension refers to the initial understanding of a concept or language structure, while comprehension refers to a deeper understanding and ability to apply that knowledge.
It is important to recognize the difference between apprehension and comprehension in order to effectively learn and use language. By focusing on comprehension, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the language and avoid common mistakes that result from only apprehending the language.
Key Takeaways From The Article:
- Apprehension refers to the initial understanding of a concept or language structure.
- Comprehension refers to a deeper understanding and ability to apply that knowledge.
- Focusing on comprehension is important for effective language learning and use.
It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve both apprehension and comprehension. By expanding your knowledge and practicing language use, you can improve your ability to communicate effectively and accurately.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.