cannot comprehend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cannot comprehend' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is too difficult to understand. For example, "I cannot comprehend the complexity of the equation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I cannot comprehend fundamentalism.

The New Yorker

I simply cannot comprehend it".

The New York Times

"I cannot comprehend it for you".

The New York Times

Abramovich, clearly, cannot comprehend the burnout theory.

The New York Times - Sports

How Gabriel felt I cannot comprehend.

The New York Times

"Man cannot comprehend what is of God," he said.

The New York Times

I cannot comprehend the exaltation that must be due You.

The New Yorker

"I just cannot comprehend why someone would do this".

The New York Times

They simply cannot comprehend why he says what he says".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human beings cannot comprehend very large or very small numbers.

The Guardian

What he has done is awful; we cannot comprehend it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot comprehend" to express a strong sense of incomprehension, especially when dealing with complex or abstract concepts. For simpler situations, consider using "cannot understand".

Common error

Avoid using "cannot comprehend" when "cannot understand" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot comprehend" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of inability or lack of understanding. It directly indicates that the subject is incapable of grasping or making sense of something. As Ludwig shows, it's commonly used when discussing complex or abstract ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot comprehend" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying a lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various contexts. While often interchangeable with "cannot understand", "cannot comprehend" suggests a deeper level of incomprehension and is particularly suitable for formal writing and discussions of complex topics. To enhance your writing, consider using it when "cannot understand" feels too simplistic, but avoid overusing it in everyday contexts where it might sound pretentious. Alternatives like "cannot grasp" or "cannot fathom" may also be appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot understand

A more direct and common synonym, focusing on a lack of understanding.

cannot grasp

Emphasizes the difficulty in seizing or taking hold of an idea.

cannot fathom

Implies a deeper inability to understand, often used for complex or mysterious concepts.

cannot perceive

Focuses on the inability to become aware of something through the senses or the mind.

cannot apprehend

Highlights the failure to seize or grasp an idea intellectually.

cannot make sense of

Indicates a struggle to find meaning or coherence in something.

cannot wrap my head around

An informal expression indicating difficulty in understanding something complex.

fail to understand

A more formal way of expressing a lack of understanding.

be beyond my comprehension

Highlights that something exceeds one's ability to understand.

be unable to grasp

Similar to "cannot grasp", but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

What does "cannot comprehend" mean?

The phrase "cannot comprehend" means to be unable to understand something. It suggests a difficulty in grasping or making sense of a concept, idea, or situation.

What can I say instead of "cannot comprehend"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot understand", "cannot grasp", or "cannot fathom" depending on the context.

Is "cannot comprehend" formal or informal?

"Cannot comprehend" is generally considered more formal than "cannot understand" and is suitable for academic, professional, or serious contexts.

How to use "cannot comprehend" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot comprehend" to express a strong lack of understanding. For example, "I cannot comprehend the complexity of the equation" or "She cannot comprehend why someone would do such a thing".