begin to fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to fathom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the initial stages of understanding or comprehending something complex or difficult. Example: "After hours of studying the theory, I finally began to fathom the underlying principles of quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I couldn't begin to fathom how anyone could build a crossword puzzle from scratch!

The New York Times

They couldn't begin to fathom what you were really up to on a Saturday night.

The New York Times

He could not begin to fathom how anyone might work in a place like this.

The New York Times

And let's not begin to fathom why the models wore eye patches.

The New York Times

"Why the futures traders went bearish I can't begin to fathom," he said.

The New York Times

By breaking down a being into its essential matter, perhaps she can begin to fathom her relationship to it.

The New York Times - Books

And much of Stamford at large, she feels, cannot begin to fathom that gangs may be in the community.

The New York Times

It is only with eyes wide open that we can begin to fathom the workings of this new nuclear world.

The New York Times - Books

"I can't begin to fathom how much pain that family is going through after losing a loved one".

The Guardian

"I've always felt he just, like, operates at levels that I couldn't even begin to fathom with my simple Wisconsin mind," says VandeHei, an Oshkosh native.

The New York Times - Magazine

No one but the two players bound by it will ever really begin to fathom the nature and meaning of it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "Begin to fathom" suggests a gradual process. If the understanding is sudden, other phrases like "realize" or "grasp" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to fathom" in contexts where a simpler term like "understand" or "know" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to fathom" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It signifies the commencement of a process of understanding or comprehending something complex or difficult. This is supported by Ludwig which confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to fathom" is a versatile verbal phrase used to describe the initial stage of understanding something complex. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Academia. While simple, it suggests an intellectual challenge being approached. If a simpler statement of knowing is sought, consider alternatives like "start to understand" or "begin to grasp". However, as Ludwig's examples illustrate, "begin to fathom" appropriately conveys the effort and initial phases of comprehension, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to grasp

Emphasizes the initiation of understanding, focusing on seizing or taking hold of an idea.

start to comprehend

Highlights the commencement of the process of understanding something fully.

begin to grasp

Similar to "start to grasp", but retains the "begin" phrasing for nuanced emphasis.

start to perceive

Focuses on the initial awareness and understanding of something through the senses or intellect.

begin to understand

A more straightforward alternative, emphasizing the start of understanding.

start to realize

Implies the beginning of becoming aware of something, often after a period of unawareness.

start to appreciate

Suggests the initial development of understanding and valuing something.

begin to see

A simpler, more figurative way of expressing the start of understanding or insight.

start to make sense of

Emphasizes the initial effort to find meaning or coherence in something.

begin to decode

Suggests the initial stages of interpreting or deciphering something complex or obscure.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin to fathom" to describe the start of understanding something complex, such as "After weeks of research, I finally began to fathom the complexities of quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "begin to fathom"?

Alternatives include "start to understand", "begin to grasp", or "start to comprehend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "begin to fathom" and "understand"?

"Begin to fathom" suggests an initial stage of comprehension and often implies grappling with something difficult. "Understand" is a more general term for having comprehension, regardless of the effort involved.

Is it correct to say "begin to fathoming"?

No, "begin to fathom" is the correct form. "Fathom" should remain in its base form after "to". "Fathoming" is the gerund form and is not appropriate in this context.