beyond the ability of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond the ability of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not possible for someone or something to achieve or accomplish. Example: "The task was beyond the ability of the team, leading to a need for additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"War is so complex it's beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend," he concluded.

The New York Times

"And it's beyond the ability of the F.E.R.C. to look at".

The New York Times

Preventing such errors goes beyond the ability of any one stakeholder.

The New York Times

"The system is broken beyond the ability of small reforms to fix it".

The New York Times

Arab world animosities may grow beyond the ability of inexperienced new governments to control.

The New York Times

"It's beyond the ability of its government to enforce the law there".

The New York Times

The number of seriously battered wives and girlfriends is far beyond the ability of any agency to count.

The New York Times

The amount of debt, the petition states, "is vastly beyond the ability of the city to pay".

The New York Times

It is a desperate race just to keep up with the needs of a city that is metastasizing beyond the ability of normal public servants to cope.

The New York Times

Even so grotesque and obvious an injustice as apartheid in the public schools was beyond the ability of the national government to correct.

The New Yorker

However, like other liberal parties elsewhere, the Free Democrats also face a deeper dilemma that goes beyond the ability of individual politicians.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond the ability of", ensure the subject performing the action and the action itself are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond the ability of" when describing temporary limitations that can be overcome with training, resources, or time. Instead, use it to express fundamental or inherent incapacities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond the ability of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a limitation or incapability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beyond the ability of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a limitation or incapability. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. It's crucial to clearly define the subject and action when using this phrase. Remember to avoid attributing temporary limitations when describing capacity. The phrase is highly versatile and understood, making it a strong addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of

Strongly asserts an inability to perform a certain action.

not capable of

Directly states a lack of the required skills or qualities.

not within the capacity of

Focuses on the limited space, time, or resources available to handle a task.

out of reach for

Focuses on the impossibility of attaining something, either literally or figuratively.

outside the scope of

Emphasizes a limit based on defined boundaries or responsibilities, rather than inherent capability.

beyond the scope of

Focuses on defined boundaries or responsibilities rather than inherent capability.

exceeding the grasp of

Suggests something is too complex or difficult to understand or achieve.

unattainable for

Highlights the impossibility of reaching a specific goal or standard.

surpasses the power of

Indicates a level of strength or effectiveness that is greater than another's.

more than a match for

Implies superiority in skill or strength, rendering someone or something inadequate.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond the ability of" in a sentence?

Use "beyond the ability of" to describe situations where someone or something lacks the capacity to perform a specific task or achieve a certain outcome. For example, "The complexity of the problem was beyond the ability of the team to solve in the given timeframe".

What are some alternatives to "beyond the ability of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not capable of", "incapable of", or "out of reach for", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "beyond the ability of" or "beyond the abilities of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "beyond the ability of" is generally used when referring to a singular, general capacity. "Beyond the abilities of" is used when referring to specific skills or capabilities.

What is the difference between "beyond the ability of" and "exceeding the ability of"?

"Beyond the ability of" indicates a task is impossible, while "exceeding the ability of" suggests it is pushing the limits of someone's capabilities. Consider using "exceeding the ability of" if the task is difficult but not necessarily impossible.