cannot figure out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot figure out" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing difficulty in understanding or solving something. Example: "I cannot figure out how to solve this math problem." Alternative expressions include "unable to understand" and "can't make sense of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Like you cannot figure out which way's up and which way's down.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact that we cannot figure out how to fund schools is another Bush legacy.

The New York Times

If the Chargers cannot figure out ways to help him, their offense could stall.

The New York Times

We cannot figure out the reason why Russian boots are on Ukrainian ground.

The Guardian

The best songs are the ones that you simply cannot figure out how they were written.

The Guardian - Music

Moreover, most systems cannot figure out all the sites visited by a user.

The New York Times

But we cannot figure out how to split expenses when we travel or go out.

The New York Times

Many people sign up but cannot figure out what to post or why.

The New York Times - Tech

Many sufferers understand they have a problem, but cannot figure out how to solve it.

The New York Times - Health

And he still cannot figure out how to pack a suitcase.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I seriously cannot figure out how to do it right now.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot figure out" to convey a sense of confusion or difficulty in understanding something, as in "I cannot figure out how to assemble this furniture."

Common error

While "cannot figure out" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using overly convoluted alternatives when simpler phrases like "don't understand" would suffice for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot figure out" functions as a verbal phrase expressing an inability to understand, solve, or determine something. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot figure out" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express an inability to understand or solve something. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media, but also in scientific and informal writing. While many alternative expressions exist, such as "unable to understand" or "can't make sense of", "cannot figure out" offers a straightforward and widely accepted way to convey confusion or difficulty. When writing, be mindful of overcomplicating your sentences; in many cases, a simpler phrase may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to understand

Expresses a general lack of comprehension; more formal.

unable to comprehend

Highlights a more profound lack of understanding; highly formal.

can't make sense of

Emphasizes the inability to find coherence or meaning.

baffled by

Highlights confusion and perplexity.

puzzled by

Emphasizes confusion and intellectual challenge.

stumped by

Indicates being completely unable to find a solution or understanding; informal.

at a loss to explain

Highlights an inability to provide a reason or justification.

unable to determine

Focuses on the inability to reach a conclusion or decision.

cannot grasp

Emphasizes a failure to fully understand or seize an idea.

beyond my comprehension

Highlights that something exceeds one's capacity to understand.

FAQs

How to use "cannot figure out" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot figure out" to express difficulty in understanding or solving something. For example: "I "cannot figure out" how to solve this math problem."

What can I say instead of "cannot figure out"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to understand", "can't make sense of", or "baffled by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot figure out" or "can not figure out"?

"Cannot figure out" is the standard and more common way to express this idea. "Can not figure out" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "cannot figure out" and "unable to determine"?

"Cannot figure out" implies a general lack of understanding or problem-solving ability, while "unable to determine" specifically refers to an inability to reach a conclusion or decision.