easy to fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "easy to fathom" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is simple to understand or comprehend. Example: "The concept of gravity is easy to fathom for most people, as it is a fundamental part of our everyday experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He is not easy to fathom.

The New York Times - Magazine

Easy to fathom, but a shame.

The New York Times

It's easy to fathom what Putin might want from Trump.

The Guardian

So his affinity for Victoria Rowell is easy to fathom.

The New York Times

But it's not so easy to fathom why.

The Guardian

At quieter times, though, Supper's simple yet quirky appeal is easy to fathom.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Woods knows all about losing form, although in his case the reasons were easier to fathom.

Independent

On the Palestinian side, at least, the key objections are easier to fathom.

The Guardian

There are lighter equivalents elsewhere, but they are scarcely easier to fathom: Saw A. and B. last night.

The New Yorker

The suicide bomber is easier to fathom as a weapon or act of propaganda than as a personality.

The Guardian - Books

Some disparities are easier to fathom than others: male boxers have ten events, women (who box for the first time at this games) have three.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "easy to fathom" when you want to convey that something is not complicated or difficult to understand. It is suitable for explaining concepts, motivations, or reasons that are relatively clear and straightforward.

Common error

Avoid using "easy to fathom" when describing highly complex or nuanced situations where understanding requires significant effort or specialized knowledge. This can oversimplify the complexity and potentially mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easy to fathom" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the quality of something being readily understandable or comprehensible, as seen in the Ludwig examples where it modifies motivations, reasons, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "easy to fathom" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that means something is simple to understand. It's frequently found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered acceptable. Alternatives include "simple to understand" and "clear to grasp". While "easy to fathom" is generally neutral in tone, writers should avoid overusing it in complex situations to prevent oversimplification. Overall, "easy to fathom" is a versatile and understandable way to communicate clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Simple to understand

Replaces "easy" with "simple", emphasizing the lack of complexity.

Easy to comprehend

Uses "comprehend" instead of "fathom", implying a thorough understanding.

Clear to grasp

Focuses on the clarity and the ability to quickly understand something.

Easy to perceive

Uses "perceive" instead of "fathom", focusing on awareness and understanding.

Straightforward to comprehend

Emphasizes the directness and ease of understanding.

Simple to grasp

Replaces "easy" with "simple", emphasizing simplicity, and uses "grasp" to indicate understanding.

Readily understandable

Highlights the ease with which something can be understood.

Effortless to perceive

Stresses the minimal effort required to understand something.

Accessible to understanding

Indicates that something is easily accessed and understood.

Not hard to understand

Uses a double negative to affirm that something is easy to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "easy to fathom" to describe something that is simple to understand. For example, "The reasons behind his decision were "easy to fathom" after the explanation".

What are some alternatives to "easy to fathom"?

Alternatives include "simple to understand", "clear to grasp", or "straightforward to comprehend".

Is "easy to fathom" formal or informal?

"Easy to fathom" is suitable for both neutral and slightly formal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing. It is commonly found in news articles and analytical pieces.

What's the difference between "easy to fathom" and "easy to understand"?

While both phrases are similar, "easy to fathom" can sometimes imply a deeper level of understanding or insight compared to simply "easy to understand". However, in most contexts, they are interchangeable.