is difficult to fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is difficult to fathom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is hard to understand or comprehend. Example: "The complexity of the universe is difficult to fathom for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

At first glance, this is difficult to fathom.

The New York Times

That is one reason why the uniqueness of Homo sapiens is difficult to fathom.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

For now, the prospect of a Mets team without Wright is difficult to fathom.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to fathom the plight of Israelis in towns under attack like Sderot.

The New York Times

Even in less stressful times, it is difficult to fathom the contours of Mr. Gore's psyche.

The New York Times

The idea of Fox News without Mr. Ailes is difficult to fathom.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Books

The manager's feelings were difficult to fathom.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "is difficult to fathom" with a brief explanation of why the subject is challenging to understand. This provides context and helps the reader appreciate the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "is difficult to fathom" in situations where a simpler phrase like "is hard to understand" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is difficult to fathom" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a noun, indicating that something possesses the quality of being hard to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly grammatical. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use across varied subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is difficult to fathom" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that something is challenging to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It’s commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, use it to signal complexity and consider providing context. Avoid overuse in simple situations. Alternatives like "is hard to understand" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hard to understand

This alternative directly replaces "difficult to fathom" with a simpler expression of lacking understanding.

is challenging to comprehend

This alternative uses "challenging" to convey difficulty and "comprehend" as a more formal synonym for "understand".

is not easy to grasp

This phrase uses "grasp" to suggest a more active and intuitive understanding, implying something is not easily understood on a deeper level.

is beyond comprehension

This expresses that something is impossible to understand, a stronger sentiment than merely difficult.

is perplexing

This alternative describes something as confusing or puzzling, implying a lack of clarity.

is an enigma

This suggests something is mysterious and difficult to decipher, often implying deeper hidden meanings.

defies explanation

This indicates something cannot be explained logically or rationally, suggesting a more fundamental lack of understanding.

is inscrutable

This term suggests something is impossible to interpret or understand due to a lack of visible cues or information.

remains a mystery

This conveys that something continues to be unexplained and unknown, highlighting the persistence of the lack of understanding.

is beyond my ken

This alternative uses archaic language to express something beyond one's knowledge or understanding, adding a touch of formality or humor.

FAQs

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

You can use "is difficult to fathom" to express that something is challenging to understand. For example: "The political situation "is difficult to fathom" without understanding the historical context."

What are some alternatives to "is difficult to fathom"?

Some alternatives include "is hard to understand", "is challenging to comprehend", or "is not easy to grasp". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is difficult to fathom" or "is hard to understand"?

"Is difficult to fathom" suggests a greater level of complexity or obscurity than "is hard to understand". Use "is difficult to fathom" when the subject truly requires deeper thought or analysis.

What does "is difficult to fathom" imply about the subject being discussed?

It implies that the subject is complex, obscure, or requires significant effort to understand. It suggests that a simple explanation is not sufficient for full comprehension.