still trying to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still trying to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing ongoing efforts to comprehend a concept, situation, or information. Example: "After reading the article multiple times, I am still trying to understand the main argument presented by the author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm still trying to understand the play".

The New York Times

"I'm honestly still trying to understand Afghanistan," he said.

The New Yorker

He is still trying to understand his brother's choice.

The New York Times

Still trying to understand how the government shutdown won't end?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm still trying to understand why we didn't score.

The Guardian - Sport

I'm still trying to understand what I did wrong.

The New Yorker

Basically my Mom is still trying to understand our relationship.

The New Yorker

A decade later, we're still trying to understand, looking back and looking ahead.

The New York Times

Mr. Oynes is still trying to understand why he knew nothing about them.

The New York Times

I am still trying to understand what the feeling I get from this stuff means.

The New Yorker

Status is a huge and complex topic that psychologists and sociologists are still trying to understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more context to your usage, specify what is causing the confusion. "I'm still trying to understand the causes for...".

Common error

While "still trying to understand" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "working to understand" or "seeking to comprehend" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still trying to understand" functions as a descriptor of an ongoing cognitive process. It indicates that an individual or group is actively engaged in attempting to comprehend something, but has not yet achieved full understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still trying to understand" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe an ongoing effort to comprehend something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's wide applicability. It is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider diversifying your language with synonyms to avoid repetition. The frequent occurrence of the phrase in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still working to understand

Emphasizes the active effort being put into understanding something.

still seeking to understand

Highlights the ongoing search for comprehension.

yet to fully understand

Focuses on the lack of complete understanding at the present time.

in the process of understanding

Highlights the ongoing nature of the comprehension process.

continuing to try to understand

Emphasizes the continuation of the effort to understand.

currently trying to understand

Indicates that the effort to understand is happening at the present moment.

grappling with understanding

Suggests a struggle or difficulty in the process of understanding.

struggling to understand

Highlights the difficulty and effort involved in understanding.

attempting to comprehend

A more formal way of saying trying to understand.

endeavoring to understand

A very formal way of saying trying to understand, often used in academic or professional contexts.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "still trying to understand"?

You can use alternatives like "still working to understand", "still seeking to understand", or "yet to fully understand" depending on the context.

How to use "still trying to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "still trying to understand" to express an ongoing effort to comprehend something. For example, "Despite reading the report multiple times, I am still trying to understand the key findings."

Which is correct, "still trying to understand" or "still trying for understanding"?

"Still trying to understand" is the correct and more common phrase. "Still trying for understanding" is less idiomatic and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "still trying to understand" and "trying to understand"?

"Still trying to understand" implies that the effort to understand has been ongoing and hasn't yet resulted in comprehension, while "trying to understand" simply indicates a current effort to comprehend something, without necessarily implying it's been a long process.