beyond our control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond our control" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is primarily used to indicate that something is not under one's power or out of one's reach. Example: The outcome of the election was beyond our control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's beyond our control".

The New York Times

"Some events are beyond our control".

The New York Times

But some things are beyond our control.

The New York Times - Books

Some of this is beyond our control.

The New York Times

It is totally beyond our control.

The Guardian

So do circumstances beyond our control.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Unfortunately these were circumstances beyond our control".

The New York Times - Arts

Whatever she does is beyond our control".

The Guardian

There are the wholesale prices, which are beyond our control.

The Guardian - Business

How much are we governed by circumstances beyond our control?

The Guardian - Books

"We don't focus on things beyond our control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond our control", clearly identify what 'our' refers to, ensuring the context makes it clear whose control is being discussed. For example, specify if it is a company, a team, or individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond our control" as a blanket excuse without further explanation. Provide specific reasons why the situation is uncontrollable to maintain transparency and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond our control" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating a state or situation that is not subject to the influence or management of the speaker or a specified group. Ludwig's examples show diverse contexts, from economic factors to natural events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beyond our control" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate situations or factors that cannot be influenced or managed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, often to explain events or outcomes resulting from external, unmanageable circumstances. While the phrase is useful, it's important to use it transparently and avoid overuse as a blanket excuse. Alternatives like "out of our hands" and "not within our power" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of our hands

This alternative emphasizes the relinquishing of control and responsibility.

not within our power

This alternative highlights the absence of authority or capability to affect a situation.

outside our jurisdiction

This alternative specifies that the matter falls outside the scope of one's authority or legal power.

not our responsibility

This alternative focuses on the lack of obligation or duty to manage the situation.

beyond our reach

This alternative suggests that the situation is unattainable or inaccessible to influence.

not subject to our influence

This alternative indicates that external factors or forces are stronger than any potential impact one could have.

uncontrollable by us

This alternative emphasizes that it is not possible for anyone to control something.

we cannot affect

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary and directly expresses an inability to change or influence something.

matters outside our scope

This alternative points out that it doesn't fit with the boundaries of the responsibility of someone.

forces beyond us

This alternative highlights the presence of larger, external factors determining the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "beyond our control" to describe situations where you lack the power to influence the outcome, for example: "The weather is "beyond our control", so we need to plan for contingencies."

What are some alternatives to saying "beyond our control"?

Alternatives include "out of our hands", "not within our power", or "outside our jurisdiction", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "outside of our control" instead of "beyond our control"?

While "outside of our control" is sometimes used, "beyond our control" is generally considered more grammatically correct and formal. Both convey a similar meaning but "beyond our control" is better.

When is it appropriate to use "beyond our control"?

It's appropriate when discussing external factors or circumstances that cannot be influenced or managed by the relevant party. For instance, economic shifts, policy changes, or natural disasters are often "beyond our control".