we cannot understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of comprehension or clarity regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "Despite our efforts to analyze the data, we cannot understand the underlying patterns that are affecting the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot understand today's world without understanding the colonial past: whether it be Palestine, conflicts in Africa or Irish politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of course humans are subject to the processes of evolution, and without understanding these processes we cannot understand human origins.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

And without an understanding of systemic causation, we cannot understand what is hitting us.

HuffPost

It has to be possible to show understanding even when dealing with suffering that we cannot understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

We cannot understand why this has happened".

The New York Times

Otherwise we cannot understand Judy Garland.

The New York Times - Books

We cannot understand their presence, only their absence.

The New Yorker

"But we cannot understand why he killed himself".

The Guardian

He's trying to talk, but we cannot understand him".

The New York Times - Arts

We cannot understand all the traits we have inherited.

The New York Times

Unless we understand the agelasts we cannot understand the comical.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we cannot understand", ensure the subject of what is not understood is clearly defined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "we cannot understand" as a sweeping generalization about complex topics. Instead, specify which aspects are unclear or require further explanation to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot understand" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we cannot understand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing a lack of comprehension, as validated by Ludwig. It appears most commonly in news and scientific contexts and maintains a neutral tone suitable for various situations. While straightforward, be sure to specify the object of incomprehension to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI examples illustrate the phrase's versatility, from expressing confusion to highlighting the need for more information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we do not comprehend

A more formal alternative using "do not" instead of "cannot".

we are unable to grasp

Replaces "cannot" with "are unable", softening the tone slightly.

we can't make sense of

Focuses on the inability to find meaning or coherence in something.

we fail to comprehend

Uses "fail to comprehend" for a more formal and emphatic tone.

we're at a loss to understand

Indicates confusion and an inability to find an explanation.

we find it incomprehensible

Emphasizes the difficulty or impossibility of understanding.

it's beyond our understanding

Shifts the focus to the subject being incomprehensible rather than the speaker's inability.

we lack the capacity to understand

Emphasizes a lack of inherent ability or resources to understand.

we are blind to

Implies a willful or unavoidable lack of awareness or understanding.

we haven't a clue

An informal way of expressing a complete lack of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "we cannot understand" in a sentence?

Use "we cannot understand" to express a lack of comprehension or an inability to grasp something. For example, "We cannot understand the implications of this policy without further data."

What are some alternatives to "we cannot understand"?

You can use alternatives like "we are unable to grasp", "we fail to comprehend", or "it's beyond our understanding" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "we cannot understand" or "we do not understand"?

"We cannot understand" and "we do not comprehend" are both grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality, with "we do not understand" sounding slightly more formal.

What does it mean when someone says "we cannot understand"?

When someone says "we cannot understand", they are expressing that they lack the ability to fully grasp or comprehend a particular concept, situation, or idea.