be beyond comprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be beyond comprehension" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is too complex or difficult to understand. An example: "The vastness of the universe can often be beyond comprehension." Alternative expressions include "beyond understanding" and "incomprehensible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In some, the personal content could be almost cloying, or else so specific that it would be beyond comprehension.

The New York Times

Just a few years ago cancer seemed to be beyond comprehension, and therefore beyond any logical cure.

The New York Times - Books

The only withdrawal McCain supports began when he said he was eager to have Bush campaign for him whenever "it fits into his busy schedule," making it clear that the busyness of said schedule was going to be beyond comprehension.

The New York Times

It cannot be beyond comprehension that gay people also have jobs and careers, play and watch sports, socialize, walk our dogs, take exams, celebrate holidays, save for a house, pay the bills, eat, sleep and drink.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

How the BBC manages to get more straight, white and male with every passing "shakeup" is beyond comprehension.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jake Molloy, from the RMT union, said it was "beyond comprehension" that the flare was still burning.

BBC

The head teacher at murdered four-year-old Daniel Pelka's school has said his treatment at home is "beyond comprehension".

BBC

Agreed, our expenditure on these wars is beyond comprehension.

Huffington Post

"This is beyond comprehension.

The Guardian

Hurting a newborn – it is beyond comprehension.

The Guardian

It's beyond comprehension to close its doors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be beyond comprehension", ensure the subject is something genuinely complex or extreme, not just slightly confusing. It adds emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "be beyond comprehension" for everyday misunderstandings. Save it for situations where the lack of understanding is profound or deeply impactful, to not dilute its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be beyond comprehension" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject that is impossible or extremely difficult to understand. Ludwig examples show it modifying concepts, events, or situations that are complex or overwhelming.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be beyond comprehension" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something extremely difficult or impossible to understand. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include ""be incomprehensible"" and ""defy understanding"". While correct, it should be reserved for truly complex situations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be beyond understanding

Directly replaces "comprehension" with "understanding".

be incomprehensible

Replaces "beyond comprehension" with a single word conveying the same meaning.

be impossible to understand

States directly that understanding is not possible.

be unfathomable

Emphasizes the depth and complexity that makes something impossible to understand.

defy understanding

Highlights the resistance to being understood.

be too difficult to grasp

Focuses on the difficulty in mentally seizing or understanding something.

baffle belief

This is more direct and emphatic but it maintains the meaning

be perplexing

Emphasizes the confusing and bewildering quality of something.

be enigmatic

Stresses the puzzling and inexplicable nature of something.

be a mystery

Implies a lack of clear explanation or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "be beyond comprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "be beyond comprehension" to describe something that is impossible or extremely difficult to understand. For instance, "The scale of the universe is "be beyond comprehension"".

What are some alternatives to "be beyond comprehension"?

Alternatives include "be incomprehensible", "be unfathomable", or "defy understanding", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is beyond comprehension" or "are beyond comprehension"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is" for singular subjects (e.g., "The concept is beyond comprehension") and "are" for plural subjects (e.g., "The reasons are beyond comprehension").

What's the difference between "be beyond comprehension" and "be beyond understanding"?

The phrases are very similar. "Be beyond comprehension" emphasizes the inability to fully grasp something intellectually, while "be beyond understanding" focuses more on a general lack of understanding or awareness.