absolutely incomprehensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely incomprehensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely impossible to understand or grasp. Example: "The instructions were so poorly written that they were absolutely incomprehensible to anyone who tried to follow them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I find it absolutely incomprehensible," he said.

The New York Times

An attorney for Crawford's family described their decision as "absolutely incomprehensible".

The Guardian

He said: "Why the Speaker was not in the lead role is something I find absolutely incomprehensible.

Independent

An attorney for Crawford's family described the decision not to bring charges in the case as "absolutely incomprehensible".

The Guardian

Someone makes a shocking discovery about Ian: "He don't eat no meat!" Yes, Ian is a vegetarian -- absolutely incomprehensible.

The New York Times

As Leon Wieseltier writes in the upcoming New Republic: "The demotion of human rights by the common-ground presidency is absolutely incomprehensible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

How marvellous, and how utterly incomprehensible!

The New Yorker

"People find that utterly incomprehensible".

The Guardian

Reinach finds this view utterly incomprehensible.

SEP

In a strongly-worded statement, prime minister Enrico Letta's office said a move to prosecute Salvatore Girone and Massimiliano Latorre under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) maritime security law was "absolutely disproportionate and incomprehensible".

The Guardian

"The divine light is given by measure and is received to a greater or lesser extent, being distributed, undividedly divided, according to the worthiness of the recipients," declares St. Gregory, although this in no way should be confused with God's essence, which is "absolutely indivisible and incomprehensible, and no other being can receive it, either to a greater or lesser extent".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely incomprehensible" to express a strong sense of complete lack of understanding. It's more emphatic than simply saying something is "incomprehensible".

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely incomprehensible" to describe minor misunderstandings or easily clarified points. Reserve it for situations where genuine and significant lack of understanding exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely incomprehensible" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective "incomprehensible". This emphasizes the complete and utter lack of understanding. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it describing situations ranging from confusing instructions to shocking decisions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolutely incomprehensible" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something completely impossible to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage across various reliable sources, including news and scientific publications. While it's a powerful way to express a lack of understanding, be mindful not to overuse it in minor or simplistic situations. Consider alternatives like "utterly baffling" or "completely unintelligible" to diversify your language. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "absolutely incomprehensible" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely unintelligible

Emphasizes the inability to understand due to lack of clarity or coherence.

simply beyond understanding

Directly states that something cannot be understood.

wholly unfathomable

Stresses the depth of the inability to understand or comprehend.

entirely beyond comprehension

Similar to 'simply beyond understanding' but with a slightly more formal tone.

utterly baffling

Focuses on the confusing and perplexing nature of something.

genuinely perplexing

Implies a state of bewilderment and confusion.

totally inexplicable

Highlights the lack of any rational explanation or reason.

downright confusing

Highlights the confusing aspect of something, with a slightly less formal tone.

categorically impenetrable

Emphasizes the impossibility of gaining access to understanding.

patently absurd

Shifts the focus to the nonsensical or ridiculous nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely incomprehensible" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely incomprehensible" to describe anything that is impossible to understand. For example, "The instructions were so poorly written that they were absolutely incomprehensible".

What can I say instead of "absolutely incomprehensible"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly baffling", "completely unintelligible", or "totally inexplicable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "incomprehensible" or "absolutely incomprehensible"?

"Absolutely incomprehensible" emphasizes the impossibility of understanding to a greater degree than simply "incomprehensible". Choose based on the strength of the message you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "absolutely incomprehensible"?

It's appropriate when describing something that is genuinely impossible to understand due to complexity, lack of clarity, or inherent absurdity. Avoid using it for minor confusion or easily resolved issues.