are beyond counting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are beyond counting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is so numerous that it cannot be quantified or easily counted. Example: "The stars in the night sky are beyond counting, each one shining brightly in the vast universe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The same motive prompts some to seek perverted knowledge through magical practices.... [T]he many minute, contemptible things that solicit our curiosity each day are beyond counting.... [W]hen I am sitting at home, why does a lizard catching flies, or a spider binding them when they blunder into its web, often have me gazing intently?

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The number of TV series set in workplaces is beyond counting.

The New York Times

Now, he perceives America as multifaceted: "It is beyond counting how many simultaneous Americas exist.

The New Yorker

Observers said the number of Mongol horses was beyond counting, every warrior possessing many remounts.

The New Yorker

For Manuel Velez, a manager at Pizza Plus on Third Avenue in East Harlem, the day's losses were beyond counting.

The New York Times

By the time the war was over, the number of dead was beyond counting, possibly as high as 3.8 million, according to a study by the Harvard Medical School and the University of Washington.

The Guardian

"We owe God a death," says Feeble in "Henry IV, Part 2," and in the meantime what we owe ourselves, our friends, our children, our country and our species is beyond counting.

The New York Times

"I wouldn't have a clue; it's beyond counting.

Vice

On the surface, the meaning of God's promise is clear: the children of Abram will be so numerous as to be beyond counting.

Huffington Post

The number of small, individual-run stalls in Hargeisa alone is beyond count.

Vice

There are others beyond counting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are beyond counting" to emphasize the sheer impossibility of enumeration, suggesting an overwhelming quantity or number. It adds a touch of figurative language and can be more impactful than simply saying "many".

Common error

Avoid using "are beyond counting" in highly technical or scientific writing where precise numerical data is expected. Opt for quantifiable estimations or ranges instead to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are beyond counting" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating a quantity so large that it is practically impossible to enumerate. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is appropriate for use in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are beyond counting" serves to express a quantity so large as to be practically uncountable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, it is most effective in scenarios where emphasis on the sheer number or vastness is desired. Related phrases like "innumerable" or "countless" offer similar meanings but may vary slightly in formality. It’s best to avoid this phrase in technical contexts where precise numerical data is expected. Its register is relatively neutral, making it suitable for use in various sources from News & Media to Science. While "are beyond counting" is not as frequently encountered as simpler alternatives, its evocative nature makes it a valuable tool for writers seeking to emphasize immensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be counted

Replaces "beyond counting" with a more direct, literal phrasing.

innumerable

Uses a single adjective to convey the idea of being too many to count.

countless

Similar to "innumerable" but perhaps slightly more common in everyday language.

too numerous to count

More verbose, emphasizing the inability to count due to sheer quantity.

beyond measure

Shifts the focus from counting to measuring, implying an immense quantity.

uncountable

Another single-word adjective, directly stating that the quantity cannot be counted.

incalculable

Similar to "uncountable", but slightly more formal and implies difficulty in calculation.

legion

Evokes a sense of vast numbers, like a Roman legion.

numberless

Poetic and less common, similar to "innumerable".

myriad

Implies a great and varied number of things.

FAQs

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

You can use "are beyond counting" to describe something that is too numerous to be counted, such as "The stars in the sky are beyond counting" or "The possibilities in this situation are beyond counting".

What phrases are similar to "are beyond counting"?

Alternatives include "innumerable", "countless", "too numerous to count", or "beyond measure", each conveying a large, unquantifiable amount.

Is "are beyond counting" formal or informal?

"Are beyond counting" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing. It's generally considered a more descriptive and slightly more emphatic way of saying "many" or "too many".

When should I not use "are beyond counting"?

Avoid using "are beyond counting" in contexts that require precise numerical data or in technical writing where estimations or ranges are more appropriate. In such cases, providing specific numbers, even if approximate, is preferable.