cannot apprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot apprehend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing an inability to understand or grasp a concept or idea. Example: "Despite the detailed explanation, I still cannot apprehend the underlying principles of quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He simply cannot apprehend anything about them at all: their culture, their history, their topography – his mental map is blank.

The Guardian

In his view, the mind cannot apprehend anything except in conjunction with an apprehension of itself, and the distinction of subject and object is a source of error.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Humans cannot apprehend the world except by some form of perception or representation; yet they can recognize, and to some extent identify and try to compensate for, the distortions or limitations that their own point of view and their relation to the rest of reality introduce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One cannot apprehend something that is not there to be apprehended.

SEP

One can apprehend things and so come to know them one just cannot apprehend them in the way in which the Stoics construe cognition (PH 1.235).

SEP

The National Guard troops cannot apprehend immigrants or drugs and cannot use their weapons (except in self-defense), noted Sandweg.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This could be seen as a paraphrasable belief along these lines: Montaigne believed that human reason was inadequate to comprehend certain truths about God and the world; hence he adopts an attitude to authority which is bifold - authorities may tell us truths which we cannot ourselves apprehend, or they may hoodwink us with nonsense.

The Guardian - Books

"Unless the pursuing officer is on a motorcycle, the officer in a patrol car cannot possibly apprehend the vehicle that is splitting lanes," Zine said.

Los Angeles Times

("As we know," Foster wrote, in 1982, "the real cannot be apprehended directly: we have only (mis)representations of it").

The New Yorker

That may be because I am a lousy clinician, but it also may be because the multitude of vectors that move someone to heinous and incomprehensible acts cannot be apprehended with the inexact instruments of diagnosis deployed by imperfect people like me.

The New Yorker

Like the best works of art, it contains nuances that cannot be apprehended all at once.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot apprehend" when you want to express a formal or philosophical nuance of not being able to fully grasp a concept, especially in academic or theoretical contexts. If writing for a general audience, consider using "cannot understand" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot apprehend" in everyday conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't understand" or "don't get it" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot apprehend" functions as a verb phrase expressing a negative cognitive ability. It indicates the inability to understand or grasp something, often implying a complex or abstract concept. Ludwig shows that it commonly describes a lack of comprehension.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot apprehend" signifies an inability to understand or grasp something, frequently employed in formal or philosophical contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and often used to express intellectual difficulty. While it's a valid expression, remember that simpler alternatives like "cannot understand" might be more appropriate for general audiences. Its register leans toward formal and scientific domains, making it suitable for academic or theoretical discourse. Use it judiciously to convey nuanced incomprehension while keeping your audience and context in mind. Remember that "cannot apprehend" is a correct way to express and explain the impossibility to grasp a concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot understand

Replaces "apprehend" with the more common and direct word "understand".

cannot comprehend

Uses "comprehend" as a more formal synonym for "understand", implying a deeper level of grasping.

unable to grasp

Emphasizes the inability to seize or take hold of an idea.

fail to perceive

Highlights the failure to become aware of something through the senses or intellect.

cannot fathom

Suggests an inability to measure or understand the depth of something.

cannot conceive

Focuses on the inability to form a mental image or idea.

beyond my comprehension

Indicates that something is outside the limits of one's ability to understand.

escapes my understanding

Suggests that something is elusive and difficult to grasp.

cannot make sense of

Focuses on the inability to find logic or meaning in something.

unable to make out

Implies difficulty in discerning or distinguishing something.

FAQs

What does "cannot apprehend" mean?

The phrase "cannot apprehend" means to be unable to understand or grasp something. It implies a lack of comprehension, often in a formal or intellectual context.

When should I use "cannot apprehend" instead of "cannot understand"?

"Cannot apprehend" is more formal than "cannot understand". Use "cannot apprehend" in academic, philosophical, or legal contexts where a nuanced and precise expression of incomprehension is needed. In everyday situations, "cannot understand" is usually more appropriate.

Are there synonyms for "cannot apprehend"?

Yes, several synonyms exist for "cannot apprehend", including "cannot comprehend", "unable to grasp", or "fail to perceive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "cannot apprehend"?

Yes, "cannot apprehend" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English, especially in formal contexts. However, it's essential to ensure it fits the tone and audience of your writing. Otherwise, you can use other words such as "cannot understand".