beyond comprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond comprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is so difficult to understand, that it is almost unthinkable. For example, "The complexity of the problem was beyond comprehension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Noda angrily dismissed the comment as "beyond comprehension".

The New York Times

Agreed, our expenditure on these wars is beyond comprehension.

Huffington Post

"This is beyond comprehension.

The Guardian

It is now unpredictable beyond comprehension.

The Guardian

The crime was monstrous and beyond comprehension.

The New York Times

It's beyond comprehension to close its doors.

The Guardian

Hurting a newborn – it is beyond comprehension.

The Guardian

However, our brains are indeed complex almost beyond comprehension.

The Guardian - Books

He likes to gawk at things beyond comprehension.

The Guardian - Books

The scale of the devastation is almost beyond comprehension.

The Guardian

So vast as to be unknowable, beyond comprehension.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond comprehension" to describe situations or concepts that are extremely difficult or impossible to understand, often due to complexity or emotional impact. For example, "The scale of the disaster was beyond comprehension."

Common error

Avoid using "beyond comprehension" for situations that are merely confusing or require some thought. Reserve it for instances where understanding is truly unattainable, not just momentarily difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond comprehension" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to express that something is impossible or extremely difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to describe situations or concepts that are nearly unthinkable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beyond comprehension" is a versatile phrase used to describe something exceedingly difficult to understand. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in various writing contexts. Its frequency and usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media, highlight its commonness. While alternatives like "unfathomable" or "incomprehensible" exist, this particular phrase effectively conveys the sense of something being nearly impossible to grasp. When using this phrase, ensure it's reserved for situations that truly defy understanding rather than simple confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomprehensible

Direct synonym, stressing the lack of ability to understand.

unfathomable

Emphasizes the inability to explore or understand something fully.

unintelligible

Focuses on the lack of clarity and coherence.

impenetrable

Highlights the difficulty in getting through or understanding something.

mind-boggling

Suggests something is so complex it overwhelms the mind.

baffling

Indicates something is puzzling and confusing.

perplexing

Similar to baffling, but may suggest a more prolonged confusion.

mystifying

Implies something is shrouded in mystery and difficult to grasp.

obscure

Suggests that something is vague and not easily understood.

enigmatic

Highlights the mysterious and puzzling nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "beyond comprehension" to describe something that is impossible or extremely difficult to understand. For example, "The complexity of the quantum physics theory was "beyond comprehension"".

What are some alternatives to "beyond comprehension"?

You can use alternatives such as "incomprehensible", "unfathomable", or "mind-boggling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "beyond comprehension"?

It's appropriate when describing something that is truly impossible to fully grasp, either due to its complexity, scale, or emotional impact. Avoid using it for situations that are simply confusing or require further explanation.

Is "beyond comprehension" formal or informal?

"Beyond comprehension" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the subject matter than the audience. It is appropriate in news reports, academic discussions, and everyday conversation when describing something truly difficult to understand.