beyond all description

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond all description" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is so extraordinary or impressive that it cannot be adequately described in words. Example: "The beauty of the sunset was beyond all description, leaving everyone in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The pain was beyond all description.

The Guardian

It might not be the worst thing to befall human beings, but it is wretched beyond all description.

The New York Times

His début review for the Herald Tribune dismisses Sibelius's Second Symphony as "vulgar, self-indulgent, and provincial beyond all description".

The New Yorker

Virgil Thomson led the backlash in the Herald Tribune, pronouncing Sibelius "provincial beyond all description" and "not adult".

The New Yorker

In 1940, Virgil Thomson became the music critic of the New York Herald Tribune, and in his début review he tore lustily into Sibelius, calling the Second Symphony "vulgar, self-indulgent, and provincial beyond all description".

The New Yorker

Popular "progressive" US radio host Ed Schultz argues, with vicious hatred in every word he spits out on the subject, that bombing Libya is justified by the need for vengeance against that Satan on earth, that beast arisen suddenly from the grave of Adolf Hitler, that monster beyond all description: Muammar Gaddafi.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Shaun King, reporting for Daily Kos on the scene, said the carnage in Charleston was "beyond description".

Independent

Captain Paterson died on 1 November, some six weeks after an entry said the scenes he witnessed were "beyond description".

BBC

This journey took me to mostly residential areas, and it's there that I was shocked to find the levels of destruction described by UN Secretary-General Bas Ki Moon as "beyond description".

Vice

"God is this supreme, magnificent force, intelligent, gorgeous beyond any description.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were dirty beyond any description.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond all description" to emphasize the magnitude of a feeling, event, or object, making it clear that conventional language is insufficient to capture its essence.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond all description" in situations where a simpler, more direct adjective would suffice. Save it for truly exceptional or overwhelming experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond all description" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing that something is so remarkable, extreme, or intense that it cannot be adequately conveyed through ordinary language. Ludwig showcases its application across various contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing experiences that push the boundaries of verbal articulation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beyond all description" serves as a powerful intensifier, employed to convey experiences that defy simple articulation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency remains uncommon, suggesting it should be reserved for truly exceptional cases. Predominantly found in News & Media, it evokes a sense of awe or extreme emotion. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "indescribable" or "inexpressible" for less dramatic scenarios. Overall, while correct, judicious use of "beyond all description" will enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indescribable

A single word that conveys the impossibility of describing something.

inexpressible

Similar to 'indescribable', but emphasizes the feeling that can't be put into words.

unspeakable

Implies that something is so horrific or wonderful that it should not or cannot be spoken of.

words cannot express

A more explicit way of saying something is too great to be described.

defies description

Highlights the inability of any description to capture the essence of something.

beggars description

An idiomatic expression suggesting that something is so remarkable that it is beyond description.

beyond compare

Emphasizes the uniqueness and unparalleled nature of something.

unimaginable

Suggests something is so extreme it is hard to conceive.

cannot be captured in words

A more verbose way of stating something is impossible to describe adequately.

surpasses all articulation

A formal alternative, indicating that something exceeds the ability to be expressed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "beyond all description" in a sentence?

Use "beyond all description" when you want to convey that something is so remarkable, extreme, or intense that it's difficult to articulate its qualities using ordinary language. Ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What are some alternatives to "beyond all description"?

You can use alternatives like "indescribable", "inexpressible", or "words cannot express" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "beyond all description" an overused phrase?

"Beyond all description" isn't inherently overused, but its impact diminishes if applied too frequently. Reserve it for moments when you genuinely struggle to find adequate words.

What is the register of "beyond all description"?

The register of "beyond all description" is generally neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for both narrative and descriptive writing where you want to emphasize the extraordinary nature of something.