beyond description

USAGE SUMMARY

"beyond description" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is too difficult, complex, or beautiful to adequately describe in words. For example, "The view from the top of the mountain was beyond description."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 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

Qualitative descriptive interpretation analysis [ 22] extends beyond description to make practical use of the data.

BMC Medical Ethics

They're beyond description.

The New York Times

Lovely beyond description.

The New York Times - Travel

The suffering here is beyond description.

The New Yorker

His courage was beyond description.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Winning is just beyond description".

The New York Times

"Beyond description," according to Cowell.

The Guardian

That is reckless beyond description".

The Guardian - Sport

The feeling is beyond description".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond description" to convey the magnitude of an experience or quality. This phrase is effective when you want to emphasize that words alone cannot fully capture the essence of what you're trying to communicate.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond description" for mundane or easily describable situations. Its impact is greatest when reserved for truly exceptional or overwhelming experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond description" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by expressing the inability to adequately describe it. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the expression, and its examples show it modifying nouns related to experiences, sights, and emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beyond description" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the inexpressible nature of something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. It functions as an adjectival phrase, conveying awe, wonder, or overwhelming emotion. While suitable for formal writing, it's crucial to reserve it for truly exceptional situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "indescribable" or "ineffable" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid overuse in simple contexts to preserve its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indescribable

A single word meaning that something cannot be described.

beyond words

A shorter, more direct way of saying that something cannot be adequately expressed.

defies description

Indicates that something is so unique or exceptional that it cannot be captured in words.

ineffable

Emphasizes the sacred or spiritual nature of something that cannot be expressed.

words cannot express

Directly states that words are insufficient to convey the experience or quality.

beggars description

Suggests that something is so extraordinary that it surpasses the ability to describe it.

unutterable

Emphasizes the inability to articulate something, often due to its profound nature.

unspeakable

Highlights the horrific or shocking nature of something that cannot be spoken of.

past comprehension

Highlights the fact that beyond being just difficult to describe, the concept could be difficult to grasp.

unimaginable

Focuses on the difficulty in envisioning or conceiving something, rather than describing it.

FAQs

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

You can use "beyond description" to emphasize that something is too difficult, complex, or beautiful to adequately describe in words. For example, "The beauty of the sunset was "beyond description"."

What are some alternatives to "beyond description"?

Alternatives include "indescribable", "ineffable", or "words cannot express" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "beyond description" in formal writing?

Yes, "beyond description" is appropriate for formal writing when used judiciously to describe something truly exceptional. However, consider more precise language if possible to avoid vagueness.

What's the difference between "beyond description" and "unimaginable"?

"Beyond description" suggests that something cannot be adequately expressed in words, while "unimaginable" indicates that something is difficult to conceive or envision. They highlight different aspects of incomprehensibility.