beyond our power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond our power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is outside of one's ability or control to achieve or influence. Example: "The decision to change the policy is beyond our power, as it rests with the higher management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

That is beyond our power.

The Economist

"But it is not beyond our power to correct.

The New Yorker

"Their beauty is beyond our power to improve.

The New York Times

But it is not beyond our power to correct...

The New York Times

It may be beyond our power to control the climate, but we can determine it.

The New Yorker

And it is beyond our power to induce a government crackdown everywhere at once.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

We humans are sturdy and resilient animals, with enormous capacities of creativity and adaptability, but consistently realistic thinking seems to be beyond our powers.

BBC

Nonetheless, at a time when people are compelled to question what is "fate," what is "inevitable," what decisions can we control, and what ones are beyond our power--this movie stirs such speculations as well.

Huffington Post

Among the most persistent solutions to the problem of randomness and the certainty of death is the belief that there is an organizing principle to human life that gives it meaning, something beyond our powers of reason or simple ideas about how to cope with unfairness.

Huffington Post

We are not practising what we are trained to do but it's beyond our powers.

Globalization and Health

Our first response to life should be gratitude and wonder that we share this remarkable world so far beyond our poor power to grasp.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond our power" to acknowledge limitations honestly, fostering realistic expectations and trust. Don't use it as an excuse for inaction where effort is possible.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures accountability. Instead of saying "Mistakes were made beyond our power to prevent", be direct: "External factors made those mistakes inevitable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond our power" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a limitation or lack of capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beyond our power" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered expression used to denote a lack of ability, control, or influence. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, prominently featured in News & Media, Scientific, and Encyclopedic sources. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies the entity to which 'our' refers. While similar alternatives exist, such as "outside our control" or "not within our capacity", each carries subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outside our control

Emphasizes lack of control rather than inherent ability.

not within our capacity

Focuses on the limitations of available resources or capabilities.

exceeding our grasp

Implies the concept or task is too complex or ambitious.

unattainable by us

Highlights the impossibility of achieving a specific goal.

not in our hands

Suggests that the decision or action lies with someone else.

something we cannot affect

Stresses the inability to influence a particular outcome.

not subject to our authority

Indicates a lack of jurisdiction or control over a situation.

lies outside our capabilities

Highlights that it's not doable with existing capabilities

more than we can handle

Focuses on being overwhelmed by the scale of a task

not up to us

Indicates that a different entity is in charge

FAQs

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

You can use "beyond our power" to describe something that is impossible for you or a group to change or control. For example, "The timing of the project's completion is "beyond our power" due to external regulations".

What's the difference between "beyond our power" and "beyond our control"?

While similar, "beyond our power" emphasizes a lack of ability or capacity, while "beyond our control" focuses on a lack of influence or management. The former suggests an inherent limitation, while the latter suggests external forces at play.

What are some alternatives to "beyond our power"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "outside our control", "not within our capacity", or "exceeding our grasp".

Is it correct to say "beyond our powers" instead of "beyond our power"?

Yes, "beyond our powers" is grammatically correct and carries a similar meaning. "Power" refers to general ability, while "powers" often refers to specific capabilities or authorities.