Are you confident in your understanding of the difference between “comprehended” and “apprehended”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these words and provide clarity on when to use each one.
Let’s define these words. “Comprehended” means to understand something fully or to grasp the meaning of it. On the other hand, “apprehended” means to arrest or take someone into custody. While both words involve understanding or grasping something, “apprehended” specifically refers to a legal action.
It’s important to use these words correctly in order to convey your intended meaning. In the following sections, we will provide examples of how to use each word properly, as well as common mistakes to avoid.
Define Comprehended
Comprehended is a verb that means to understand or grasp the meaning of something. It involves the ability to mentally process and make sense of information or ideas presented. When a person comprehends something, they are able to connect the dots and form a clear understanding of the subject matter.
Define Apprehended
Apprehended is a verb that means to capture or arrest someone. It is often used in a legal context, where law enforcement officials apprehend individuals suspected of committing a crime. In this sense, apprehended refers to physically taking hold of someone in order to bring them into custody.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using words correctly, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they can be applied in different contexts. In this section, we’ll explore the proper usage of two words that are often confused: comprehended and apprehended.
How To Use Comprehended In A Sentence
Comprehended is a verb that means to understand or grasp the meaning of something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from understanding a complex mathematical equation to comprehending a difficult piece of literature. Here are a few examples of how to use comprehended in a sentence:
- I finally comprehended the meaning of the poem after reading it several times.
- She couldn’t comprehend why he would want to leave such a great job.
- The students struggled to comprehend the difficult concepts presented in the lecture.
As you can see, comprehended is often used to describe the act of understanding or grasping a concept or idea. It’s important to note that this word is typically used in an intellectual or academic context, rather than in everyday conversation.
How To Use Apprehended In A Sentence
Apprehended is a verb that means to arrest or capture someone who has committed a crime. It is often used in legal or law enforcement contexts. Here are a few examples of how to use apprehended in a sentence:
- The suspect was apprehended by police after a high-speed chase.
- The fugitive was finally apprehended after months on the run.
- The security guard apprehended the shoplifter before they could leave the store.
As you can see, apprehended is typically used to describe the act of capturing or arresting someone who is suspected of committing a crime. It’s important to use this word carefully and accurately, as it has legal implications and can be used in court proceedings.
More Examples Of Comprehended & Apprehended Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide you with a list of examples that will help you understand the difference between the two words comprehended and apprehended. By using these examples, you will be able to see how these words are used in context.
Examples Of Using Comprehended In A Sentence
- She comprehended the instructions perfectly and completed the task without any issues.
- The students were able to comprehend the complex concepts with the help of their teacher.
- He couldn’t comprehend why his friend would do such a thing.
- It took me a while to comprehend the magnitude of the situation.
- The company’s CEO was able to comprehend the financial data and make informed decisions.
- She struggled to comprehend the foreign language.
- The book was difficult to comprehend due to its complexity.
- He finally comprehended the true meaning of the poem after reading it several times.
- The audience was able to comprehend the speaker’s message thanks to his clear and concise delivery.
- The child was not able to comprehend the consequences of his actions.
Examples Of Using Apprehended In A Sentence
- The suspect was apprehended by the police after a high-speed chase.
- The thief was apprehended by the security guard before he could leave the store.
- The criminal was apprehended and taken into custody for questioning.
- The police officer apprehended the suspect without the use of force.
- The fugitive was apprehended after being on the run for several months.
- The suspect was apprehended and charged with several crimes.
- The security system was able to apprehend the intruder before he could steal anything.
- The authorities were able to apprehend the terrorist before he could carry out his plan.
- The police were able to apprehend the suspect thanks to a tip from a concerned citizen.
- The criminal was apprehended and brought to justice for his crimes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words with similar meanings, it’s easy to get confused and use them interchangeably. However, when it comes to words like “comprehended” and “apprehended,” it’s important to understand the differences between them to avoid making common mistakes.
Common Mistakes:
- Using “comprehended” and “apprehended” interchangeably
- Thinking that both words mean the same thing
- Assuming that both words can be used in any context
- Not considering the connotations and nuances of each word
It’s important to note that “comprehended” and “apprehended” are not interchangeable. While they may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should be used in specific contexts.
When you use “comprehended,” you’re referring to understanding or grasping something mentally. For example:
- “She comprehended the complex instructions with ease.”
- “I couldn’t comprehend the magnitude of the problem.”
On the other hand, “apprehended” means to capture or arrest someone. It can also mean to understand something in a negative or fearful way. For example:
- “The police apprehended the suspect after a high-speed chase.”
- “I apprehended the danger of the situation and left immediately.”
Tips To Avoid Mistakes:
To avoid making mistakes when using “comprehended” and “apprehended,” keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure you understand the meanings of both words before using them.
- Consider the context in which you’re using the word.
- Think about the connotations and nuances of each word.
- Double-check your writing to ensure you’re using the correct word.
By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and use “comprehended” and “apprehended” correctly in your writing.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “comprehended” and “apprehended” can be dependent on the context in which they are used. The meanings of these two words are similar, but they are not interchangeable. Understanding the nuances of each word is important to use them correctly.
Comprehended
The word “comprehended” is often used in the context of understanding or grasping an idea or concept. It implies that the subject has a clear understanding of the information presented to them. For example, if a student is able to explain a complex mathematical formula, it can be said that they have comprehended the formula.
Here are some examples of contexts in which “comprehended” might be used:
- A student comprehends a difficult concept in physics after studying it for several hours
- A lawyer comprehends the nuances of a complex legal case after reading through all the evidence
- A reader comprehends the message of a novel after finishing the entire book
Apprehended
The word “apprehended” is often used in the context of capturing or arresting someone. It implies that the subject has been caught or detained by law enforcement. For example, if a suspect is caught by police after committing a crime, it can be said that they have been apprehended.
Here are some examples of contexts in which “apprehended” might be used:
- The police apprehended a suspect after a high-speed chase
- A security guard apprehended a shoplifter after they attempted to steal merchandise
- A border patrol agent apprehended an individual attempting to cross the border illegally
It is important to note that while these two words have some overlap in meaning, they are not interchangeable. Using the wrong word in a particular context can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Understanding the subtle differences between these two words can help ensure that they are used correctly.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using comprehended and apprehended are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. In these cases, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word to use them correctly.
Comprehended
One exception to the rule of using comprehended to refer to understanding something fully is in legal contexts. In these cases, comprehended can also mean to include or contain something within a larger set or category. For example, a legal document might state that a particular law comprehends a certain set of circumstances, meaning that it encompasses or includes them.
Another exception is in the context of language learning. In this case, comprehended can refer to understanding a language at a basic level, without necessarily having full mastery of it. For example, a student might be able to comprehend a simple conversation in a foreign language, even if they can’t speak it fluently.
Apprehended
One exception to the rule of using apprehended to refer to being arrested or captured is in the context of understanding or perceiving something. In this case, apprehended can mean to grasp or understand something mentally. For example, a difficult concept might finally be apprehended by a student after weeks of study.
Another exception is in the context of fear or anxiety. In this case, apprehended can mean to feel uneasy or fearful about something that might happen in the future. For example, a person might be apprehended about flying on an airplane, even if they’ve never experienced a plane crash themselves.
| Word | Exception | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehended | Legal context | “The law comprehends all cases of fraud.” |
| Comprehended | Language learning | “I can comprehend basic French, but I can’t speak it fluently.” |
| Apprehended | Understanding or perception | “The concept was finally apprehended after weeks of study.” |
| Apprehended | Fear or anxiety | “She was apprehended about flying on the airplane.” |
Practice Exercises
It’s one thing to read about the differences between “comprehended” and “apprehended,” but it’s another thing entirely to be able to use them correctly in your own writing. To help you improve your understanding and usage of these two words, we’ve put together some practice exercises. Try your hand at the following sentences and see if you can choose the right word.
Exercise 1:
After reading the instructions several times, I finally __________ what I was supposed to do.
- comprehended
- apprehended
Answer: comprehended
Explanation: When you “comprehend” something, you understand it or grasp its meaning. In this case, the person finally understood what they were supposed to do after reading the instructions several times.
Exercise 2:
The police were able to __________ the suspect after a brief foot chase.
- comprehend
- apprehend
Answer: apprehend
Explanation: When you “apprehend” someone, you catch them or arrest them. In this case, the police were able to catch the suspect after a brief foot chase.
Exercise 3:
Despite his best efforts, the concept of quantum physics was too complex for him to __________.
- comprehend
- apprehend
Answer: comprehend
Explanation: When something is too complex or difficult to understand, you “comprehend” it. In this case, the concept of quantum physics was too complex for the person to understand despite their best efforts.
Exercise 4:
The witness was able to __________ the suspect’s face in the lineup.
- comprehend
- apprehend
Answer: apprehend
Explanation: When you “apprehend” something, you catch it or seize it. In this case, the witness was able to identify the suspect’s face in the lineup and help apprehend them.
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your ability to use “comprehended” and “apprehended” correctly in your writing. Keep in mind that “comprehend” is used to indicate understanding or grasping the meaning of something, while “apprehend” is used to indicate catching or seizing something, often in a legal context.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between comprehended and apprehended, it is clear that these two words cannot be used interchangeably. Comprehended refers to understanding something, while apprehended refers to the act of capturing or arresting someone.
One key takeaway is the importance of using the correct word in the appropriate context. Misusing these words can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Another takeaway is the significance of grammar and language use. Proper grammar and language use can enhance communication and convey a more professional tone.
It is encouraged that readers continue learning about grammar and language use to improve their communication skills. Resources such as grammar books, online courses, and writing workshops can be helpful in this endeavor.
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.