cannot understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of comprehension or clarity regarding something. Example: "Despite reading the instructions multiple times, I still cannot understand what is being asked of me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One simply cannot understand the present without understanding the past.

HuffPost

I cannot understand it".

The New York Times

Ivan Grigoryevich cannot understand this.

The New Yorker

I cannot understand its words.

Independent

So I just cannot understand.

The Guardian - Sport

Can't rightly see: Cannot understand.

The New York Times

We just cannot understand it.

The Guardian

I still cannot understand this.

The Guardian

I cannot understand this mentality.

The Guardian

I still cannot understand why.

The Washington Post

I cannot understand the comparison.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot understand", be mindful of the tone; it can sometimes sound dismissive. Consider softening the phrase with qualifiers like "I simply cannot understand" to convey frustration rather than judgment.

Common error

While "cannot understand" is acceptable, avoid using informal contractions like "can't understand" in formal or academic writing. Opt for the full form to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot understand" functions as a negative verb phrase, expressing the subject's inability to comprehend something. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it is used to convey a lack of understanding in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

16.66%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot understand" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to express a lack of comprehension. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears frequently in News & Media. Alternatives such as "unable to comprehend" or "fail to grasp" offer nuanced ways to convey the same meaning. It's important to consider formality and avoid contractions in professional writing. Overall, "cannot understand" is a versatile and acceptable phrase for expressing a lack of understanding in a variety of contexts, as corroborated by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to comprehend

Emphasizes a general inability to grasp or make sense of something.

fail to grasp

Highlights a failure to understand or seize the meaning of something.

do not comprehend

A more formal way of saying "cannot understand", indicating a lack of understanding.

struggle to understand

Implies an effort to understand, but with difficulty.

unable to fathom

Suggests a deeper level of incomprehension, implying that something is mysterious or difficult to penetrate.

cannot make sense of

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

beyond my comprehension

Indicates that something is too complex or difficult for one's understanding.

not able to grasp

A more literal alternative, focusing on the inability to seize mentally.

cannot figure out

Suggests an inability to solve or understand something, as if it were a puzzle.

it's all Greek to me

An idiomatic expression indicating complete incomprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot understand" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot understand" to express a lack of comprehension. For example, "I "cannot understand" why they made that decision", or "He "cannot understand" the instructions".

What are some alternatives to "cannot understand"?

Alternatives include "unable to comprehend", "fail to grasp", or "do not comprehend". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "cannot understand" or "can't understand"?

"Cannot understand" is generally preferred in formal writing, while "can't understand" is more common in informal speech and writing. Both are grammatically correct, but the level of formality differs.

What's the difference between "cannot understand" and "do not understand"?

"Cannot understand" emphasizes an inability to understand, while "do not understand" simply states a lack of understanding. "Cannot" suggests a deeper issue preventing comprehension, whereas "do not" is a more neutral statement. Semantically they are almost identical and "do not understand" may sound less decisive than ""cannot understand"".