difficult to fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult to fathom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is hard to understand or comprehend. Example: "The complexity of the universe is often difficult to fathom for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's not difficult to fathom why.

The Guardian - Opinion

He sounded more difficult to fathom.

The New Yorker

The manager's feelings were difficult to fathom.

The New York Times - Sports

Brownback's problems aren't difficult to fathom.

The Guardian - Opinion

For reasons difficult to fathom, some are drawn to Ukip.

Independent

They're so ripply and rock hard, they're difficult to fathom.

The New Yorker

It's difficult to fathom what is not "appropriate".

The Guardian - Books

At first glance, this is difficult to fathom.

The New York Times

What drives these fears is not difficult to fathom.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was difficult to fathom sometimes; you never knew what would come next with him.

The New Yorker

"It is difficult to fathom how there could be any victory in this," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult to fathom", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the difficulty in understanding. Provide enough information for the reader to appreciate the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult to fathom" when a simpler phrase like "hard to understand" would suffice. This phrase is most effective when describing complex or abstract concepts, not everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to fathom" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something as being hard to understand or comprehend. Ludwig AI validates this usage across a wide array of examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to fathom" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a challenge in understanding something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While "hard to understand" serves as a simpler alternative, "difficult to fathom" suits more intricate or abstract subjects. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its acceptance in formal and professional writing, making it a versatile choice for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfathomable

Direct synonym, emphasizing the impossibility of fully understanding or exploring something.

hard to understand

Focuses on the general difficulty in understanding, lacking the depth implied by "fathom".

hard to comprehend

Highlights the mental effort required to grasp something, similar to "fathom" but slightly more formal.

difficult to grasp

Emphasizes the act of seizing or understanding something, often used for concepts or ideas.

difficult to perceive

Centers on the challenge of becoming aware or conscious of something through the senses or mind.

beyond comprehension

Indicates that something is impossible to understand, a stronger statement than "difficult to fathom".

inscrutable

Suggests a mysterious or enigmatic quality that makes something impossible to interpret easily.

mystifying

Focuses on the perplexing and confusing nature of something, leading to difficulty in understanding.

enigmatic

Highlights the puzzling and ambiguous qualities, making it challenging to interpret.

bewildering

Stresses the confusion and disorientation caused, hindering understanding.

FAQs

What does "difficult to fathom" mean?

The phrase "difficult to fathom" means something is hard to understand or comprehend. It suggests a depth or complexity that makes it challenging to fully grasp.

How can I use "difficult to fathom" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to fathom" when you want to express that something is not easily understood. For example: "The reasons behind his decision are "difficult to fathom"."

What can I say instead of "difficult to fathom"?

You can use alternatives like "hard to understand", "hard to comprehend", or "difficult to grasp" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "difficult to fathom" than "hard to understand"?

Yes, "difficult to fathom" is generally considered more formal than "hard to understand". The word "fathom" implies a deeper level of understanding and is often used in more sophisticated contexts.