I can't fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

"I can't fathom" is a grammatically correct part of a sentence and is commonly used in written English.
It is a phrase used to express one's difficulty in understanding something, especially something that is surprising or unexpected. For example: "I can't fathom how she managed to get that promotion after only two months with the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't fathom it".

The Guardian - Sport

I can't fathom their loss...

The Washington Post

I can't fathom it or believe it.

The New York Times - Sports

So I can't fathom how that happened".

The Guardian - Sport

"I can't fathom that," Jay-Z said.

The New York Times

"I can't fathom that world," she said.

The New York Times - Books

One Argentine commentator said: "I can't fathom him.

The New York Times

"I can't fathom that a player wouldn't have voted for him," Locker said.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't fathom how he does it, but I feel so close to it.

The New York Times

I can't fathom writers married to writers and musicians married to musicians.

The New York Times - Magazine

But first: frankly, I can't fathom why the Pre and the Pixi haven't proved to be more popular.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can't fathom" to express disbelief or a strong inability to understand something, particularly when encountering unexpected or surprising situations. It adds a touch of personal incredulity to your statement.

Common error

While "I can't fathom" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "I cannot understand" or "I fail to comprehend" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can't fathom" serves as an expression of incomprehension or disbelief. It is used to convey that the speaker finds something difficult or impossible to understand. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is typically used in contexts where the speaker is surprised or puzzled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can't fathom" is a commonly used expression to convey a lack of understanding or disbelief. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in very formal contexts, opting for more neutral alternatives. The phrase effectively communicates a personal sense of bewilderment, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I cannot comprehend

Replaces "fathom" with a more formal synonym "comprehend".

It's beyond my comprehension

Highlights that something surpasses one's ability to understand.

I cannot understand

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a lack of understanding.

I find it incomprehensible

Emphasizes the difficulty of understanding something.

I fail to grasp

Indicates a failure to understand or seize an idea.

I can't wrap my head around

An informal expression indicating difficulty in understanding something complex.

I'm at a loss to understand

Emphasizes confusion and inability to find an explanation.

I'm perplexed by

Expresses confusion and uncertainty about something.

I'm baffled by

Highlights confusion and bewilderment.

I'm unable to imagine

Shifts focus to an inability to visualize or conceive something.

FAQs

What does "I can't fathom" mean?

The phrase "I can't fathom" means that you are unable to understand something, often because it's surprising or confusing. It expresses a sense of disbelief or incomprehension.

How can I use "I can't fathom" in a sentence?

You can use "I can't fathom" to express your inability to understand a situation. For example, "I can't fathom why he would do that".

What can I say instead of "I can't fathom"?

You can use alternatives like "I cannot understand", "I fail to grasp", or "I'm at a loss to understand" depending on the context.

Is "I can't fathom" formal or informal?

The phrase "I can't fathom" is generally considered to be more informal than alternatives like "I cannot comprehend". It's suitable for general conversation and news media but might be too colloquial for academic writing.