be unable to fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unable to fathom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of understanding or comprehension of something complex or difficult to grasp. Example: "After hearing the news, I was unable to fathom how such a tragedy could occur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was demoralizing to discover that in spite of my record-keeping--a feat of human organization and skill unmatched by anyone whose uncle was not Ivan Ferderbar, I would be unable to fathom the instructions for filing my taxes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

UNTIL he began considering what it meant to represent America in Venice, he was unable to fathom how to turn his rage into metaphor.

The New York Times - Arts

But for reasons I was unable to fathom at the time, I clung to a conviction that I must do as she told me.

The New Yorker

Starring Josh Brolin as a man locked away for 20 years (up from 15 in the original) in a hotel-like prison by an unseen nemesis for reasons he is unable to fathom, Lee's version is said to be based more directly on the 1996 Japanese manga that spawned Park's mystery thriller.

The Guardian - Film

James, needing to make himself taller for some reason, draws himself up, and then asks, "You are saying you work, live, and sleep here, and for food you collect the leftovers from my restaurant?" Ahmed looks offended, but James is unable to fathom why.

The New Yorker

Unlike Locke, the narrator of the poem knows that he is unable to fathom the universe, but still questions the matter.

Wikipedia

As live-for-the-moment eighth graders, Ellen and I were unable to fathom that life could one day turn fragile.

Huffington Post

Watching a detainee make a frustrated weekly call home to his family, who are unable to fathom the fact that the Australian government has locked them up indefinitely a wife who believes her husband must be lying to her and living it up in Sydney, because the situation he describes simply cannot be possible.

Vice

They are terrified of failure, particularly their own and of being unable to fathom the consequences when things go wrong.

WikiHow

Oliver White, economist at Fathom, says many African countries will be unable to balance their budgets without spending cuts following what is likely to be a huge fall in oil – and mining-related tax revenues.

The Guardian - Business

Major Kusanagi, the big-bosomed bionic heroine of Mamoru Oshii's mesmerising Ghost in the Shell (one of the inspirations for The Matrix and a plot I'm still unable to fathom, even after repeated viewings) is frequently nude or leaping around in a form-fitting bodysuit that makes her look naked.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be unable to fathom" to express a strong sense of bewilderment or incomprehension, particularly when facing complex or abstract ideas. For simpler situations, consider using "not understand".

Common error

Avoid using "be unable to fathom" when referring to literal depths or measurements, as "fathom" also relates to a unit of depth. Instead, use a different verb to describe measuring depth, such as "measure" or "determine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unable to fathom" functions as a verb phrase expressing a lack of comprehension or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It indicates an inability to deeply understand something complex or obscure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be unable to fathom" is a grammatically sound way to express a lack of understanding, particularly when dealing with complex or abstract subjects. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not the most frequent expression, it effectively conveys bewilderment or incomprehension. Consider simpler alternatives like "not understand" in less formal contexts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in news, wiki and formal writing, solidifying its place as a versatile tool for expressing cognitive limitations. Usage guidance suggests avoiding it in literal depth contexts due to the word "fathom" also representing a unit of measurement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot comprehend

Focuses on the inability to grasp the meaning.

cannot understand

Emphasizes a general lack of understanding.

fail to grasp

Highlights the failure to seize or understand something.

struggle to comprehend

Indicates a difficulty in understanding.

find it hard to understand

Shows difficulty in the process of understanding.

be at a loss to understand

Implies confusion and a lack of understanding.

be incapable of understanding

Highlights a complete lack of capacity to understand.

be beyond one's comprehension

Indicates that something is too complex to understand.

be unable to make sense of

Focuses on the inability to find meaning or coherence.

be unable to decipher

Highlights the inability to interpret or decode something.

FAQs

What does "be unable to fathom" mean?

The phrase "be unable to fathom" means to be incapable of understanding something, often because it is too complex or mysterious. It suggests a deep level of incomprehension.

How can I use "be unable to fathom" in a sentence?

You can use "be unable to fathom" to express your lack of understanding. For example, "I "am unable to fathom" why they made that decision."

What can I say instead of "be unable to fathom"?

Alternatives include phrases like "cannot comprehend", "cannot understand", or "fail to grasp", depending on the specific context.

Is "be unable to fathom" formal or informal?

"Be unable to fathom" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. While appropriate in many contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable in very informal settings.