could not understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could not understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a lack of comprehension or clarity regarding something that was said or presented. Example: "Despite the detailed explanation, I still could not understand the concept being discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They could not understand what was happening.

The Guardian

He could not understand why.

The New Yorker

Nani could not understand it.

The Guardian - Sport

Many readers could not understand it.

The New York Times

"I could not understand that," Ennis wrote.

The Guardian - Sport

We could not understand what is happening.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the Gurkhas could not understand English.

The New York Times

At first, I could not understand it.

The Guardian - Money

Smith could not understand the attack.

The New Yorker

Just like they could not understand my cost-based reasoning, I could not understand their pride.

The New York Times

Often I could not understand what my teacher was saying.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "Could not understand" is versatile, but alternatives might be more appropriate depending on the specific situation and desired tone. For example, use "failed to comprehend" in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "could not understand" in situations where simpler phrases like "didn't understand" or "didn't get it" suffice. Overly formal language can sound unnatural in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not understand" primarily functions as a verbal phrase expressing a lack of comprehension or an inability to grasp the meaning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could not understand" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to express a lack of comprehension. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and informal conversations. While alternatives like "failed to comprehend" offer a more formal tone, and "didn't get it" provides a more casual option, "could not understand" remains a reliable choice. Be mindful of the context to ensure the most appropriate phrasing for clarity and impact. This phrase functions primarily to convey a lack of knowledge or clarity, with a neutral register suitable for diverse settings. The most frequent contexts are News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to comprehend

Replaces "could not" with a more formal term, emphasizing a lack of understanding.

was unable to grasp

Emphasizes the inability to seize or capture the meaning.

didn't make sense of

A more casual phrasing focusing on the lack of coherence.

couldn't figure out

Focuses on the inability to solve or find a solution.

was at a loss to understand

Highlights a state of confusion and inability to find meaning.

remained clueless about

Indicates a complete lack of understanding, often in a more informal way.

misunderstood completely

Suggests a wrong interpretation rather than a lack of understanding.

failed to see the point

Implies a lack of understanding of the purpose or relevance.

couldn't get my head around

An idiomatic expression meaning to fail to understand something complex.

it was beyond my comprehension

Highlights the complexity and inability to understand due to its complexity.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "could not understand"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "failed to comprehend" or "was unable to grasp".

What are some casual alternatives to "could not understand"?

In informal settings, you might use phrases like "didn't get it", "couldn't figure out", or "didn't make sense of".

Is it ever incorrect to use "could not understand"?

While grammatically correct, using "could not understand" in very simple contexts can sound overly formal. Choose simpler alternatives for casual conversations.

How does "failed to comprehend" differ from "could not understand"?

"Failed to comprehend" is a more formal expression that emphasizes a lack of intellectual understanding, while "could not understand" is a more general expression.