beyond all sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond all sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely irrational or illogical. Example: "The decision to cut funding for education during a crisis is beyond all sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This has shrunk beyond all sense in recent years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Well, I love the place with a passion that goes beyond all sense and reason".

The New York Times

It sometimes reached 100 feet in length, with a neck and tail extended beyond all sense.

The New York Times

Ensconcing herself in my living room, she's delighted beyond all sense that I've remembered she prefers lemon and ginger tea.

Independent

Now, beyond all sense or sensibility, the New York Yankees have appeared with a request for $370 million in new taxpayer-backed financing for a new baseball stadium that will open in April.

The New York Times

And even that would be manageable if the train companies didn't enforce their baffling restrictions beyond all sense (that your ticket is technically invalid if you have booked from Edinburgh to Peterborough, but get on at Berwick – one stop after you originally planned to – for example).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Only by stretching beyond all good sense could we glimpse a sliver of the emerald pool from which the water was spilling so noisily.

The New York Times - Travel

Starbucks, which is attempting to counter a tumbling stock price and a slow-down in customer traffic, appealed against the ruling, calling it "fundamentally unfair and beyond all common sense and reason".

Independent

The emergence of these local forums seems to confirm all the stereotypes about high school and sports: the depth of grievances, the impassioned judgments, the focus on personality and the magnification of importance beyond all common sense.

The New York Times

"And beyond that, all the other senses also play a role".

BBC

But it also goes beyond a sense of who you are.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond all sense", ensure the context makes it clear what specific aspect is illogical. Avoid vagueness to maximize the impact of the expression.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond all sense" for minor inconveniences or slight disagreements. Reserve it for situations where the irrationality is genuinely significant, to prevent weakening its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond all sense" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the degree to which something lacks reason or logic. It is typically used to express strong disagreement or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beyond all sense" is an effective way to express that something is illogical or irrational. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and can be used in a variety of contexts, though it is most impactful when reserved for significant irrationalities. While alternative phrases like "utterly nonsensical" or "completely absurd" exist, "beyond all sense" offers a distinct emphasis on disbelief and incomprehension. To maximize its impact, ensure the context clearly identifies what aspect is illogical. While this phrase is not extremely common, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its appropriate usage in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly nonsensical

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective emphasizing lack of meaning.

completely absurd

Uses a different adjective to highlight the ridiculous nature of something.

defies all logic

Focuses on the contradiction of logical reasoning.

makes no sense whatsoever

Emphasizes the complete lack of understanding or reason.

unfathomable

Highlights the inability to comprehend or understand.

past comprehension

Indicates that something is impossible to fully understand.

irrational beyond measure

Stresses the extreme degree of irrationality.

contrary to reason

Focuses on the opposition to logical thought.

illogical to the extreme

Emphasizes that it is not logical.

boggles the mind

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey bewilderment.

FAQs

What does "beyond all sense" mean?

The phrase "beyond all sense" means something is completely illogical, irrational, or absurd. It implies that the subject in question defies reason or understanding.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "beyond all sense"?

Use "beyond all sense" when describing situations, decisions, or actions that are so unreasonable they are difficult to comprehend. It is most effective when emphasizing a strong disagreement or disbelief.

Are there alternative phrases I can use instead of "beyond all sense"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "utterly nonsensical", "completely absurd", or "defies all logic" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "beyond all sense" a formal or informal expression?

"Beyond all sense" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more impactful in situations where a strong expression is warranted. Consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey.