How to Use I CAN’T BEGIN TO IMAGINE Naturally in English
What does I CAN’T BEGIN TO IMAGINE mean? How and when to use this chunk of language naturally in English? Is it formal or informal?
Keep reading to learn everything about thins chunk and have it on the tip of your tongue.
What Does “I Can’t Begin to Imagine” Mean?
“I can’t begin to imagine” is a powerful and very common chunk of language used by native speakers to emphasize how difficult it is to understand, visualize, or emotionally grasp something.
It is not meant to be interpreted literally. Instead, it functions as an intensifier. Speakers use it to communicate that something is beyond their comprehension, emotional experience, or personal understanding.
In simple terms, the expression means:
It is extremely difficult — or impossible — for me to understand or imagine this situation.
This chunk is especially common when expressing empathy, shock, disbelief, or emotional distance from someone else’s experience.
Examples of “I Can’t Begin to Imagine”
Here are authentic-style examples that reflect natural spoken and written English:
- I can’t begin to imagine how difficult that must have been for you.
- She lost everything in the fire. I can’t even begin to imagine what she’s going through.
- I can’t begin to imagine the pressure doctors face in emergency situations.
- He moved to a new country alone. I can’t even begin to imagine how overwhelming that felt.
- I can’t begin to imagine the courage it takes to start over after such a failure.
- They trained for years. I can’t even begin to imagine their level of dedication.
- I can’t begin to understand why someone would make that decision.
- I can’t even begin to explain how complicated this process is.
- I can’t begin to describe how beautiful that place was.
Notice that this expression is frequently used when talking about:
- Emotional experiences
- Difficult situations
- Extreme conditions
- Personal struggles
- Major life events
Why This Chunk Is So Important for English Fluency
Expressions like “I can’t begin to imagine” are examples of formulaic language or lexical chunks. These ready-made combinations allow speakers to communicate complex emotions quickly and naturally without constructing sentences word by word.
Native speakers rely heavily on chunks like this in real communication.
Mastering chunks such as this helps learners:
- Sound more natural and fluent
- Express emotions clearly and effectively
- Reduce hesitation when speaking
- Improve listening comprehension
Register and Usage: When Native Speakers Use It
“I can’t begin to imagine” is neutral in register and can be used in both spoken and written English.
It commonly appears in:
- Conversations expressing empathy
- Personal messages
- Professional communication
- Interviews
- News reports
- Storytelling
It is especially useful when showing emotional support or acknowledging someone’s difficult experience.
For example:
- I can’t begin to imagine how painful that must be.
- I can’t even begin to imagine what that responsibility feels like.
Related Expressions with Similar Meaning
Here are other natural expressions used in similar contexts:
- I can’t imagine…
- I have no idea what that must be like.
- It’s impossible to imagine…
- I can’t comprehend…
- I can’t wrap my head around…
- I can’t fully understand…
- I can’t describe it…
Each of these helps speakers express emotional distance or difficulty understanding a situation.
Final Thoughts: Add This Chunk to Your Active Vocabulary
“I can’t begin to imagine” is a high-value chunk used frequently by native speakers to express empathy, emotional intensity, and incomprehension.
By learning and using expressions like this as complete units, you move closer to real fluency — the kind of fluency based on natural, automatic language use.
Don’t just recognize this expression. Start using it in your own conversations.
That’s how fluency is built.
Keep learning.
» This blog post was first published in Portuguese on February 27, 2023.
