able to fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to fathom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to understand or comprehend something, often something complex or difficult to grasp. Example: "Many people find it hard to believe that anyone could be able to fathom the depths of the universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Young people, however, are not alone in not being able to fathom the distant future.

The New York Times

YOU might expect that the stockmarket would, if it understood no other industry, be able to fathom investment banking.

The Economist

Watt is never able to fathom his employer's character or to make sense of what goes on in the house.

The New Yorker

Imagine a Skrillex bassline 20 years ago – no-one would have been able to fathom what that sounded like.

The Guardian - Music

Fifteen years ago, you would not have been able to fathom many of the jobs that exist today.

The New York Times

It finally bowed to pressure from investors who want to be able to fathom the company's financials and will begin making these filings in 2003.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Sorry to my daughters for not being able to even fathom what step one would be of creating this cake, besides possibly taking eggs out of the refrigerator and seeing if we have flour in the house.

Huffington Post

Even after more than two years of looking for a home in the Roslyns, he still struggles to fathom how the market is able to sustain itself.

The New York Times

It's hard to fathom in retrospect that Winnick was able to start Global Crossing as an undersea cable builder in 1997 and take it public a year later.

Forbes

The whirlwind churned up uncertainty at Shaw University, in Raleigh, N.C., as some students wondered whether they would be able to graduate in the short term and others tried to fathom how the college would rebuild.

The New York Times

Hard to fathom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "able to comprehend" or "capable of understanding" to avoid repetition and add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "able to fathom" when you mean to measure the depth of water. While "fathom" is a unit of depth, in this phrase, it refers to understanding. Use "measure the depth" or similar phrases instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to fathom" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating someone's capacity or ability to understand something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to fathom" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the capacity to understand or comprehend something, particularly when it's complex. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability and appropriateness in various contexts. While "able to fathom" appears most frequently in news and media sources, it is also used in science and more formal business contexts. When writing, remember to focus on using it when you need to emphasize the capacity to understand beyond surface level. Remember to use synonyms to improve the style of your work. Overall, this phrase helps convey a sophisticated level of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of understanding

Emphasizes the inherent capability to grasp a concept.

able to comprehend

Highlights the mental process of grasping the meaning of something.

able to grasp

Focuses on the act of seizing or understanding an idea quickly.

in a position to understand

Indicates a situational advantage that allows for comprehension.

equipped to comprehend

Suggests having the necessary tools or knowledge to understand.

capable of discerning

Highlights the ability to distinguish or perceive subtle differences.

able to perceive

Focuses on becoming aware of something through the senses or intellect.

able to appreciate

Implies understanding something's value or significance.

in a state to comprehend

Indicates a condition or readiness to understand.

have the capacity to understand

Emphasizes the potential or innate ability to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "able to fathom" in a sentence?

Use "able to fathom" to express the capacity to understand something complex. For example, "Only a skilled mathematician would be "able to fathom" the equation's solution".

What's a good alternative to "able to fathom"?

Alternatives include "able to comprehend", "capable of understanding", or "able to grasp", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'unable to fathom'?

Yes, "unable to fathom" is perfectly correct and commonly used to express a lack of understanding. For example, "I am "unable to fathom" why they made that decision".

What is the difference between "able to fathom" and "try to fathom"?

"Able to fathom" describes a current state of understanding, whereas "try to fathom" implies an attempt to understand something. For example, you are "able to fathom" something you understand, and you "try to fathom" something you are attempting to understand.