we cannot fully grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot fully grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or situations that are complex or difficult to understand completely. Example: "Despite our efforts to study the universe, we cannot fully grasp the extent of its mysteries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Last Saturday, in a statement that appeared to prove that, like Einsteinian space-time, irony is capable of bending to dimensions that we cannot fully grasp, Donald Trump remarked that he had known Weinstein for a long time and "I am not at all surprised".

The New Yorker

In this paper, I will argue that we cannot fully grasp the turmoil caused by Brouwer's presentation by reducing it to a strategic conflict about the field's research focus; the tensions are also symptomatic of a more fundamental difference between the various parties involved.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Until we understand exactly how EpCAM antibodies on cancer cells, we cannot fully grasp what really happens in vivo and therefore we can only marginally improve EpCAM-based immunotherapy.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now I find I cannot fully grasp your latest cover with the Christ spiralling downwards ("Has Brazil blown it?", September 28th).

The Economist

Paul, for all his intelligence, cannot fully grasp his own unconscious motivations, but Lawrence silently conveys them in the pattern of the plot.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Andy Roddick still cannot fully grasp his new status as the world's best tennis player, but his coach, Brad Gilbert, is already pushing him to work harder.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the adult Joe, who narrates the story from some unspecified future time, cannot fully grasp Geraldine's ordeal, perhaps because he can barely stand to think about it.

The Guardian - Books

Decision-makers can never know if they will make the right decision because they cannot fully grasp the current situation and they cannot foresee future developments.

European Journal of Futures Research

Consider a child or a mildly retarded patient who lacks the capacity to make a sophisticated medical decision because she cannot fully grasp the complex consequences of the available options, or because, if left to her own devices, she would merely choose impulsively.

SEP

He knows I have this Blog but cannot fully grasp what a 'Blog' is or why I would ever spend my free time doing this.

Huffington Post

Harvard University's English studies' Professor Leland de la Durantaye wrote that The Kindly Ones "is indeed about cruelty and evil in the way that morality plays are, but it is also about evil in history, the weaving together of hundreds of objectives, millions of people, into an ensemble so vast, diverse, and ever-changing that even a well-placed and sharp-sighted observer cannot fully grasp it".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. While appropriate for academic or analytical writing, simpler language might be better for general audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot fully grasp" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or uncertain. Use a variety of phrases to express incomplete understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot fully grasp" functions as a hedge, indicating a limitation in understanding or comprehension. As Ludwig AI points out, it acknowledges that while some understanding may exist, it is not complete or exhaustive. This phrase is often used to introduce complexity or uncertainty in a discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we cannot fully grasp" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for acknowledging the limits of human understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writings. While not overly common, the phrase conveys intellectual honesty and caution. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience and consider alternative expressions to avoid repetition. By acknowledging that "we cannot fully grasp" something, you invite further exploration and discussion, rather than presenting a false sense of complete understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we don't completely understand

Replaces "fully grasp" with "completely understand", simplifying the wording.

we are unable to fully comprehend

Substitutes "cannot" with "are unable to" and "grasp" with "comprehend", making it more formal.

we fail to fully understand

Emphasizes failure in understanding rather than an inability to grasp completely.

we lack complete understanding

Focuses on the absence of complete understanding.

our understanding is incomplete

Shifts the focus to the state of understanding being incomplete.

we only partially understand

Highlights the partial nature of the understanding.

our comprehension is limited

Indicates that the capacity to comprehend is restricted.

we have a limited grasp

Focuses on the limited extent of the grasp or understanding.

we don't have a full picture

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey incomplete understanding.

our knowledge is limited

States that the knowledge on the topic is restricted.

FAQs

How can I use "we cannot fully grasp" in a sentence?

You can use "we cannot fully grasp" to express an inability to completely understand something complex or abstract. For example, "Despite our research, "we cannot fully grasp" the mysteries of the universe."

What are some alternatives to "we cannot fully grasp"?

Alternatives include "we don't completely understand", "we are unable to fully comprehend", or "we only partially understand", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we cannot fully grasp" in formal writing?

Yes, "we cannot fully grasp" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic or analytical contexts where acknowledging the limits of understanding is important. However, ensure the overall tone and language remain consistent.

What is the difference between "we cannot fully grasp" and "we do not understand"?

"We do not understand" indicates a complete lack of understanding, while ""we cannot fully grasp"" suggests a partial or incomplete understanding. The latter acknowledges some level of comprehension, but not a complete one.