are beyond calculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are beyond calculation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is so vast or complex that it cannot be quantified or measured. Example: "The contributions of volunteers to the community are beyond calculation, as their impact is felt in countless ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The emotional toll and the impact on physical health are beyond calculation.

The New York Times

The national workforce divides into two factions, whose respective proportions are beyond calculation.

The Guardian - Opinion

You could say he was like the corporate chairman known equally well for his philanthropy and corruption -- except, as with Anthony Hopkins's grandfather, the equation fails because the depths of corruption are beyond calculation.

The New York Times

The ways a newspaper can discredit itself are beyond calculation; these guidelines do not purport to cover them all.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

His wealth, says Time, is beyond calculation: [he was] "richer than anyone could describe".

The Guardian - Opinion

The loss to him and to the country is beyond calculation.

The New Yorker

The value of its contents -- Beatles memorabilia, including photographs, concert programs and unreleased recordings -- is beyond calculation.

The New York Times - Arts

It's beyond calculation, the sense of joy that brings".

Los Angeles Times

The potential effect of Steve Lopez's friendship with Nathaniel Ayers is beyond calculation.

Los Angeles Times

"She was at the apex of the environmental movement here, and her loss is beyond calculation," said Neil A. Moyer, president of the Environmental Coalition of Ventura County.

Los Angeles Times

The Internet has allowed us to tell a great story about an alternative to a traditional hotel stay, and the benefits of spreading the word in this fashion has been beyond calculation as we elevate awareness of the product.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "cannot be quantified" or "immeasurable" for variety and to tailor the language to your specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "are beyond calculation" for situations where a simple estimation or approximation is possible. The phrase is best reserved for truly immeasurable quantities or values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are beyond calculation" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing the impossibility of measuring or quantifying something. It's used to highlight that the magnitude, impact, or value of something cannot be expressed numerically. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are beyond calculation" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the impossibility of quantifying or measuring something. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is accurate and serves to underscore the immeasurable nature of a subject. While it might appear infrequently, synonyms like "cannot be quantified" or "immeasurable" can provide stylistic variety. To preserve its impact, reserve "are beyond calculation" for genuinely immeasurable values.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be quantified

Focuses on the impossibility of assigning a numerical value.

cannot be measured

Highlights the inability to determine the size or extent of something.

defy measurement

Emphasizes the resistance to being measured or assessed.

incalculable

Directly states that something is impossible to calculate.

immeasurable

Stresses the lack of measurable limits or boundaries.

cannot be estimated

Highlights the inability to approximate a value or quantity.

are impossible to gauge

Focuses on the difficulty of assessing or evaluating something.

are beyond measure

Emphasizes that something's value or extent is too great to be measured.

transcend quantification

Indicates that something goes beyond the realm of what can be quantified.

are of limitless extent

Highlights the unbounded or infinite nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are beyond calculation" in a sentence?

You can use "are beyond calculation" to describe something that is too vast, complex, or abstract to be quantified or measured. For example, "The emotional costs of the disaster "are beyond calculation".

What can I say instead of "are beyond calculation"?

You can use alternatives such as "cannot be quantified", "immeasurable", or "incalculable" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "are beyond calculation" in formal writing?

Yes, "are beyond calculation" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing abstract or complex concepts that defy precise measurement. However, ensure the context genuinely warrants such a strong expression.

What's the difference between "are beyond calculation" and "cannot be precisely determined"?

"Are beyond calculation" implies that something is fundamentally impossible to quantify, while "cannot be precisely determined" suggests that quantification is possible in theory, but currently unachievable. The former is a stronger statement about immeasurability.