beyond our capability

USAGE SUMMARY

"beyond our capability" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not within our ability or skill set to accomplish or complete. Example: "Unfortunately, solving this complex mathematical equation is beyond our capability at the moment. We may need to seek assistance from a trained specialist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Longer term is going to get interesting once artificial intelligence gets way beyond our capability, then things are going to get messy potentially.

The Guardian

S.P.: There are no efforts, because it's beyond our capability right now to boom it off or something like that.

Science Magazine

They would protect us from what we were told to fear and what was beyond our capability to understand.

Huffington Post

I'm smeared as a filthy "Commie" or socialist because I believe in government as a force for good, and the obligation we all have to help those less fortunate - with our tax dollars if it's beyond our capability as individuals and the need is that great.

Huffington Post

Thus, we believe that the reduction in the number of CTD repeats (from 30 to 12) may have reduced phospho-Ser-2 levels beyond our capability of detection.

Plosone

Given ALA synthesis is still beyond our capability, it is of great importance to seek the natural sources of ALA.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Cabell advises that the suggestion is "beyond our capabilities" but not, apparently, beyond our consideration.

The New Yorker

They are massive, sophisticated, beyond our capabilities," he said.

The Guardian

But to find Putin's accounts, that's beyond our capabilities".

The Guardian

It is not beyond our capabilities to aid these men in bringing down a despicable regime.

The New York Times

Today's numbers are only 3,000 so it is really not beyond our capabilities to help them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond our capability", clearly define who 'our' refers to, ensuring clarity in your writing. For example, specify "beyond our team's capability" or "beyond our current technological capability".

Common error

Avoid using "beyond our capability" when the task is simply challenging, not impossible. Consider alternative phrases like "challenging our capabilities" or "requiring significant effort" to convey the appropriate level of difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond our capability" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a limit or inability. It is generally used to define the boundary of what an individual or group can achieve.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beyond our capability" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a task, problem, or situation exceeds someone's current abilities or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not extremely common, it finds application across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and professional settings. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; specify who 'our' refers to. When expressing limitations, phrases like "outside our capacity" or "exceeding our competence" can serve as effective alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside our capacity

Replaces "capability" with "capacity", focusing on the limit of what can be held or managed.

surpasses our abilities

A more formal way to express that something is greater than our abilities.

exceeding our competence

Focuses on professional or qualified ability, rather than general ability.

beyond our expertise

Highlights a lack of specialized knowledge or skill in a particular area.

past our skillset

Highlights a lack of specific skills required for a task.

not within our means

Shifts the focus to resources or financial ability, rather than skill or aptitude.

more than we can handle

An informal way of saying something is too much to manage.

not in our power

Emphasizes a lack of control or authority, implying inability to influence an outcome.

not feasible for us

Focuses on the practicality or possibility of achieving something.

outside the realm of our possibilities

Emphasizes that something is not possible to be achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond our capability" in a sentence?

You can use "beyond our capability" to describe a task, problem, or situation that exceeds your or your team's current abilities or resources. For example, "Developing a fully functional AI within a month is "beyond our capability" with the current team size".

What are some alternatives to "beyond our capability"?

Alternatives include "outside our capacity", "exceeding our competence", "not within our means", or "more than we can handle". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the limitation you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "beyond our capabilities" or "beyond our capability"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "beyond our capabilities" is more common. "Capabilities" refers to the sum of our abilities, while "capability" refers to the state of being capable. The plural form is generally preferred when referring to a range of skills or resources.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "beyond our capability"?

Use "beyond our capability" when you want to clearly state that something is not achievable with the resources, skills, or time currently available. It's important to be honest and transparent when assessing limitations, but consider phrasing it constructively to suggest a potential path forward (e.g., "It's beyond our current capability, but we can explore alternative solutions or seek external expertise").