beyond explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is so complex or extraordinary that it cannot be adequately explained or understood. Example: "The beauty of the sunset was beyond explanation, leaving everyone in awe of nature's artistry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He said Dastyari's conduct was "beyond explanation, beyond defence, and he should go".

The Guardian

Jay-Z, a long-time fan of the New York Yankees, said that he was elated that his songs, namely "Empire State of Mind" and "Run This Town", had been played during different Yankee player's batting at home games in the 2009 World Series, commenting that it was "incredible" and "beyond explanation" to hear his music being played during Yankee games.

Wikipedia

It's beyond explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

There is happiness beyond explanation".

The Guardian

It's beyond explanation, a dislodged Lego piece from the gods.

The New Yorker

The grand slam statistics are almost beyond explanation.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Panjabit said sex ed curriculums for teenagers need to go beyond explanations of biology, safe sex and diseases.

Huffington Post

He added, "I'm fast beyond words... Fast beyond all explanation".

The New Yorker

In the movies, his roles went beyond easy explanation.

The Guardian

While he talks with pride of how he made himself a writer through sheer determination, he regards fiction itself as beyond rational explanation.

The Guardian - Books

"Do you think that consciousness might be beyond rational explanation?" Mr. Singh asks Ms. Kelly, the brain scientist, in his interview with her.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond explanation" to convey a sense of awe, mystery, or complexity that surpasses ordinary understanding. It is effective when describing profound experiences, intricate systems, or inexplicable events.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond explanation" for situations that can be easily explained with a bit of research or thought. This phrase is best reserved for truly complex or unfathomable scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond explanation" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is impossible or extremely difficult to explain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe experiences or phenomena that defy easy understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beyond explanation" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that is impossible or extremely difficult to explain. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It commonly appears in news and media, science, and wiki sources, often conveying awe, mystery, or complexity. While appropriate for formal writing, it's best reserved for truly complex or unfathomable scenarios. Related phrases include "inexplicable", "unfathomable", and "indescribable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inexplicable

This alternative is a single word that directly means not able to be explained.

unfathomable

This alternative suggests that something is so complex or profound that it cannot be fully understood.

incomprehensible

This alternative emphasizes the inability to grasp or understand something.

indescribable

This alternative focuses on the inability to adequately describe something, often due to its extraordinary nature.

past comprehension

This alternative suggests that something exceeds the limits of one's understanding.

defies description

This alternative highlights the inadequacy of language to capture the essence of something.

beyond comprehension

This alternative emphasizes that the subject is impossible to fully grasp.

boggles the mind

This alternative indicates that something is astonishing and overwhelming.

beggars belief

This alternative suggests that something is so extraordinary that it is hard to believe.

unaccountable

This alternative means not able to be explained or justified.

FAQs

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

You can use "beyond explanation" to describe events, feelings, or phenomena that are difficult or impossible to fully understand or describe. For example, "The beauty of the aurora borealis was beyond explanation."

What are some alternatives to "beyond explanation"?

Alternatives include "inexplicable", "unfathomable", or "indescribable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "beyond explanation" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing concepts or phenomena that genuinely defy easy understanding. However, ensure that the context justifies its use, avoiding it for matters that could be clarified with further explanation.

What's the difference between "beyond explanation" and "difficult to explain"?

"Beyond explanation" suggests that something is fundamentally impossible to fully explain, while "difficult to explain" implies that an explanation exists but is challenging to articulate or understand. The former indicates a higher degree of complexity or mystery.