beyond our grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond our grasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unattainable or difficult to understand or achieve. Example: "The concept of infinity often feels beyond our grasp, leaving many to ponder its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Such minds are by definition beyond our grasp.

The New York Times - Books

Dürer's rhinoceros stands as a monument to our endless curiosity about the world beyond our grasp".

The Guardian - Books

Avoiding deficiencies is one thing, but when it comes to isolating mood-enhancing foods, and the micronutrients within them, firm knowledge remains beyond our grasp.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Egyptians seem to have understood a distinction – hence a god is often described as 'aa' but seldom as 'wer' – but it is beyond our grasp".

The Guardian

Each is a form of notation, a way of representing something infinitely larger that is forever receding beyond our grasp: sound, life, time, vision.

The New York Times - Arts

Fatalism might seem like much the most sensible option: even mitigation of climate change, let alone any kind of prevention, could be well beyond our grasp.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

If therefore the nature and the constitution of substances both corporeal and spiritual are beyond our cognitive grasp then we should take this to be a hint that God has set limits to what we can know because he sees no reason for us to know everything.

SEP

That's because the intention of the work skitters just beyond your grasp.

The New Yorker

There are some things, he says, that may simply remain beyond our cognitive grasp.

The Guardian

String theory predicts that there are at least six dimensions beyond our simple grasp, wrapped up so tightly we cannot see them or park in them.

The New York Times - Science

Things-in-themselves are not given to us in experience, and so remain beyond our cognitive grasp.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond our grasp", ensure the context clearly indicates what is unattainable, whether it's a concept, goal, or physical object.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond our grasp" to describe everyday challenges or easily solvable problems. The phrase is most effective when referring to complex or abstract concepts that are genuinely difficult to understand or achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond our grasp" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or concept to indicate that it is unattainable or difficult to understand. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beyond our grasp" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is unattainable or difficult to understand. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. While synonyms like "out of reach" and "incomprehensible to us" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, "beyond our grasp" specifically emphasizes the limits of human understanding or capability. With its frequent appearances in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, understanding its nuances ensures effective communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unattainable for us

Focuses on the impossibility of attainment.

out of our reach

Emphasizes the inability to physically or metaphorically reach something.

incomprehensible to us

Highlights the lack of understanding.

beyond our comprehension

Similar to "incomprehensible", but slightly more formal.

not within our capabilities

Focuses on the lack of ability to achieve something.

beyond our understanding

Emphasizes a lack of cognitive ability.

above our heads

An idiomatic expression suggesting something is too difficult to understand.

elusive to us

Highlights the difficulty in grasping or capturing something.

beyond the pale

Emphasizes the object is unacceptable or goes too far.

a bridge too far

An idiomatic expression meaning an attempt to achieve something that is too ambitious or unrealistic.

FAQs

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

You can use "beyond our grasp" to describe concepts or goals that are difficult to understand or achieve. For example, "The complexities of quantum physics are often "beyond our grasp"."

What is a more informal way to say "beyond our grasp"?

Informally, you could say something is "out of reach" or "above our heads" depending on the specific context.

Is "beyond our grasp" the same as "beyond our reach"?

While similar, "beyond our grasp" often refers to something intellectually challenging or difficult to understand, while "beyond our reach" often implies something unattainable or inaccessible.

What are some synonyms for "beyond our grasp" that I can use in formal writing?

In more formal writing, consider using synonyms like "incomprehensible to us", "unattainable for us", or "beyond our comprehension".