try to fathom

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to fathom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to understand or comprehend something that may be difficult to grasp. Example: "It's hard to try to fathom the vastness of the universe and our place within it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

And you begin to try to fathom the depth of grief that convulsed a nation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I travelled to the Chernobyl region in the 1990s, to try to fathom that legacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can we dare to just look and try to fathom what is going on?

The New York Times - Arts

So much that we, as journalists, try to fathom and portray to the people who care to know.

The New York Times

He said it could help doctors "try to fathom what is it like for the people we're dealing with".

The New York Times - Health

How do we try to fathom it, to pin it down like a fluttering butterfly in a muffler?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Through tears and prayers, they tried to fathom the unfathomable.

The New York Times

Spirit tries to fathom the two-legged ones.

The New York Times

I am still trying to fathom why not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Certainly he has never stopped trying to fathom the unfathomable.

The Guardian - Sport

He looked at her for a moment, trying to fathom her meaning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "try to fathom" when you want to convey a sense of intellectual effort or grappling with something complex. It suggests a deeper level of understanding than simply 'trying to understand'.

Common error

Avoid using "try to fathom" in very simple or straightforward situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "try to understand" if the concept isn't particularly complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to fathom" functions as an infinitive phrase, indicating an attempt or effort towards understanding something complex or mysterious. It acts as a verb phrase complement, specifying the purpose of an action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to fathom" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys an effort to understand something complex. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, suggesting its role in explaining intricate situations. While alternatives like "attempt to comprehend" exist, "try to fathom" carries a nuance of intellectual grappling. When using this phrase, consider the complexity of the concept you're addressing to ensure it fits the tone and context. Avoid using it in oversimplified contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to comprehend

Replaces "try" with "attempt" and "fathom" with "comprehend", emphasizing a formal effort to understand.

seek to understand

Uses "seek" instead of "try", focusing on the pursuit of understanding.

strive to grasp

Substitutes "try" with "strive" and "fathom" with "grasp", highlighting a determined effort to understand.

endeavor to comprehend

Replaces "try" with "endeavor", suggesting a more formal and conscientious effort.

make an effort to understand

Expresses the idea of trying to understand in a more descriptive and less direct manner.

work to decipher

Focuses on the effort to decode or interpret something complex.

aim to comprehend

Uses "aim" to express the intention of understanding something.

undertake to understand

Implies a deliberate and committed effort to gain understanding.

struggle to understand

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved in trying to understand.

grapple with understanding

Highlights the active process of dealing with a difficult concept to achieve understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "try to fathom" when you want to convey a sense of intellectual effort or grappling with something complex. For example: "Scientists "try to fathom" the mysteries of the universe."

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

You can use alternatives like "attempt to comprehend", "seek to understand", or "strive to grasp" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "try to fathom" or "try and fathom"?

"Try to fathom" is generally considered more grammatically correct and formal. "Try and fathom" might be used in more informal contexts but is often discouraged in formal writing.

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

"Try to understand" is a more general term for attempting comprehension. "Try to fathom" implies a more profound or challenging attempt to grasp a complex or mysterious concept.