Begin to understand?

[Kae]

Test No. incompl/elem-6 "Start/Begin", question 5

I can't ......... to understand why anyone would want to be cruel to animals.

(a) start
(b) begin
(c) starts
(d) begins

Test No. incompl/elem-6 "Start/Begin", answer 5

I can't begin to understand why anyone would want to be cruel to animals.

Correct answer: (b) begin

Your answer was: incorrect
I can't start to understand why anyone would want to be cruel to animals.
_________________________

why can't I use start?
Kae

[Torsten]

There is a sort of uniqueness in idea behind the verb «start» as if it hasn't happened before. For example: Next week I'll start to learn English (I haven't learned English before).

To understand is an activity you have done before many times. That's why the verb the combination to begin to understand is more appropriate.

In addition you should read Alan's explanation of the verbs to start and to begin.
http://www.english-test.net/articles/24/index.html
_________________
Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[made sariada]

Dear teacher,

I'm still confused in distinguishing the use of both 'start' and 'begin". Could you explain the difference?
Apart from those words, we also have "commence",'kick off'" which means start . Is it right?

That's all and thanks in advance for your explanation

Best wishes,

made sariada

[Filcanlas]

So, one thing to remember is you can use the verb 'start' if the situation is not yet done, however, the verb 'begin' is that you have done an activity before several times, am I right Torsten, correct me if I'm wrong?

[Morteza]

Dear teacher,

Learning English is a demanding job,while you are making it enjoyable.

Thanks a lot,

Morteza

[Alan]

Hi Morteza,

I am very glad you are enjoying the site.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a driving instructor

[Morteza]

Hello Dear Alan,

I also thank you for some explanations making us begin to understand English better.

Besr regards,

Morteza

[Theone]

I begin to understand everything now...
Never thought before, that learning can be more enjoyable as like this.

Thank you so much...

[Margarita]

Hello Dear Torsten,

I got the test and I want to ask You-why in the sentense, that You can see below, the word begin must be used? I wrote in it start.

I can't begin to understand why anyone would want to be cruel to animals.

Thank You in advance
Margarita

[Alan]

Hi Margarita,

It is often difficult to decide whether to use 'begin' or 'start'. The sentence I can't begin to understand why anyone would want to be cruel to animals. uses 'begin' because this suggests a slow process of understanding and 'start' is much more immediate in its effect.

More examples: I am beginning to realise what has happened. This shows that the realisation is taking some time to come into your mind.

I started to write my essay last night. This shows that you sat down and took the first steps to write the essay straightaway.

Alan
_________________
English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Are you a Persuader?

[Nguyen Ngoc Ngan]

Dear Mr Alan and Torsten,

Your explanations are very helpful. It's make me feel English is more interesting.

Thank you indeed for your help.

Best regards,

Nguyen

[Tatianka]

Hello Torsten!!!
I'm glad to learn English with u, hope i can improve it as soon as possible
Thanks

[Farzana]

Dear Torsten,
I hope you are fine. First, I want to thank you for sending me the lesson. My heart is filled with gratitude.You and other teachers are really putting so much effort to make us useful people in the society. Let me talk about myself, when I used to study in school,I studied English. but I didn't take too much interest to learn and understand English. It might be possible I was not a good student or may be I have no sense of ability to learn languages. I don't remember what was the reason. But one thing for sure I know about me, I am a very shy person and I hesitate a lot to talk in front of people. My weakness is I always try my best to do everything to make perfect in other words, I am afraid of to make mistakes. When I came across your site, I got to know every thing how I can learn English fast. I do all the test that you have sent me, Although, I just don't put it up in the forum but that doesn't mean I didn't appreciate your sincerity what you have done for me. Because all of you, I begin to understand and speak English now. I had no Idea,that learning English can be more enjoyable like this. I want to thank Mr Alen.that he explains difficult things in a very simple manner,and his articles are very good. head soft to him. I am certainly sure, when you get my mail you must be happy and surprised what I wrote this. If you remember, I had not written much in my earlier post. I am very happy. see. my English is getting improve day by day. Thanks a lot once again and please If you have time correct my mistakes. I want to improve my speaking skills what should I do.
Best wishes
Farzana

[Javad697]

Dear Teachers
Thank you very much
These tests really turn me on