Make A Sentence With Apprehend
In English language learning, one of the most effective ways to fully understand a new vocabulary word is by seeing it used in a sentence. The word apprehend is a great example. It may seem complex or formal at first, but when it’s used properly in a sentence, its meaning becomes much clearer. Learning how to make a sentence with apprehend is especially useful for students, writers, and anyone who wants to expand their vocabulary and communicate more precisely in English. This topic will explore the different meanings of the word apprehend, provide example sentences, and offer tips on how to use it effectively in various contexts.
Understanding the Meaning of Apprehend
The word apprehend is a verb with multiple meanings, depending on the context. It comes from the Latin wordapprehendere, which means to seize or to grasp. Over time, apprehend has developed both literal and figurative meanings in modern English. Below are the two main definitions:
- To arrest or capture someone, especially by law enforcement– This is the most commonly used definition in formal and legal contexts.
- To understand or grasp an idea or concept– This usage is more abstract and is often found in academic or philosophical writing.
Now that we understand the meanings of the word, let’s explore how to make a sentence using apprehend correctly.
Examples of Apprehend in Sentences
Using Apprehend to Mean Arrest
When referring to law enforcement or police action, apprehend is used to describe the act of catching a suspect or criminal. Here are some examples:
- The police were able to apprehend the suspect before he crossed the border.
- It took several weeks for detectives to apprehend the man responsible for the robbery.
- Authorities issued a warrant to apprehend the fugitive hiding in the mountains.
These examples show how apprehend is used in serious or legal situations. It implies an official or deliberate act of arresting someone who is suspected of a crime.
Using Apprehend to Mean Understand
Although less common in everyday conversation, apprehend can also mean to mentally grasp or understand something. This use is more common in intellectual discussions. Here are a few sentences that use apprehend in this sense:
- It is difficult to fully apprehend the complexity of human emotions.
- Philosophers try to apprehend the nature of existence through abstract reasoning.
- Young children may not easily apprehend the consequences of their actions.
This usage suggests a deeper level of comprehension, often involving complex or abstract ideas. It’s more formal and typically appears in academic writing.
Tips on How to Use Apprehend in a Sentence
1. Choose the Right Context
Before using apprehend in a sentence, decide whether you are talking about law enforcement (arrest) or intellectual understanding (grasping a concept). The word has different implications based on the context, so clarity is important.
2. Use Formal Tone
Apprehend tends to be more formal than everyday alternatives like catch or understand. It’s more appropriate in professional, legal, or academic settings. For casual conversations, simpler words may be more suitable.
3. Match the Subject with the Action
Make sure the subject of your sentence has the capacity to apprehend something or someone. For example:
- Correct: The officers apprehended the thief. (Officers can make arrests.)
- Correct: She finally apprehended the meaning of the poem. (A person can understand something.)
- Incorrect: The dog apprehended the painting. (A dog doesn’t usually arrest or grasp a concept.)
4. Avoid Redundancy
Because apprehend already implies arrest or understanding, you don’t need to add extra words that repeat the meaning. For example, instead of saying The police apprehended and caught the criminal, just say The police apprehended the criminal.
Common Synonyms of Apprehend
For the meaning of arrest:
- Capture
- Detain
- Arrest
- Seize
For the meaning of understand:
- Comprehend
- Grasp
- Perceive
- Fathom
Understanding these synonyms can help vary your word choices in writing and help avoid repetition while still maintaining clarity and precision.
Practice Exercises for Apprehend
Fill in the blank:
- The detective managed to __________ the suspect after a long chase.
- It takes years of study to fully __________ the theory of relativity.
- Officers failed to __________ the thief before he escaped into the forest.
Rewrite the sentence using apprehend:
- The police caught the burglar. â ____________________________
- She understood the poem after reading it twice. â ____________________________
These exercises can help reinforce the correct usage of apprehend in various situations.
Learning how to make a sentence with apprehend involves understanding its dual meanings and applying them in the right context. Whether you’re writing a police report or discussing philosophical ideas, this versatile verb adds a formal and precise touch to your language. By practicing with example sentences, using it correctly in context, and becoming familiar with its synonyms, you can confidently expand your English vocabulary and improve your communication skills. The more you read and write, the easier it becomes to use words like apprehend naturally and effectively.