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.
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why can't I use start?

[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
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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