beyond the capability of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond the capability of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that exceeds someone's or something's ability or capacity to perform a task or function. Example: "The complexity of the project was beyond the capability of the current team, requiring additional expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On development of autonomous weapons systems capable of identifying and attacking targets without human intervention, beyond the capability of the present generation of drones, Boothby takes the view that these "killer robots" are "unlikely to raise international weapons law concerns".

The Guardian

Unfortunately, detecting such fossils is beyond the capability of the rover.

The New York Times

That performance would have been entirely beyond the capability of any prenuclear submarine.

Britannica

Those sums are far beyond the capability of the Continent's current rescue fund.

The New York Times

Video cameras guide them through feats well beyond the capability of the most dexterous human.

The New York Times

Yoga: There are many yoga poses that require forward bending beyond the capability of many.

Harvard University

Thus, the existence of a fifth dimension or what happened before time itself is beyond the capability of our reason.

The New York Times

Hard coating can improve the surface properties of a material beyond the capability of the substrate.

Surface and Coatings Technology

However, the description of the substructural fragmentation process lies beyond the capability of the model used.

Acta Materialia

That is orders of magnitude beyond the capability of any particle accelerator that will ever be built on earth.

The New York Times - Science

"The grid has massive computational power which is well beyond the capability of a single White Rose university.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond the capability of", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined. For instance, specify what entity lacks the capability and what task or function is beyond that capability.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond the capability of" when a simple lack of effort or willingness is the real issue. Ensure the limitation is a genuine constraint, not a matter of choice or negligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond the capability of" functions as a modifier, indicating that something exceeds the limits or abilities of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beyond the capability of" is a commonly used phrase to denote that something exceeds the limits or abilities of a particular subject. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread application across diverse fields. It is suitable for formal, scientific, and neutral contexts, frequently appearing in sources like the New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific journals. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid misattributing capabilities. Alternatives like "exceeding the limits of" or "not capable of" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not capable of

A shorter, more direct way of expressing a lack of ability.

exceeding the limits of

This alternative uses a more active verb to emphasize the act of surpassing a boundary.

surpassing the ability of

This option replaces "capability" with "ability" and uses a different verb to convey exceeding.

out of reach for

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to indicate something is unattainable.

not within the scope of

This phrase focuses on the boundaries of a particular area or field.

outside the realm of

This option emphasizes that something is beyond what is possible or conceivable.

beyond the realm of possibility for

Highlights the impossibility aspect more strongly.

in excess of

Indicates surpassing a specific quantity or amount.

more than competent to

It's the opposite, refers to abilities instead of inabilities.

transcending the potential of

Uses a more elevated and abstract verb to suggest going beyond inherent possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "beyond the capability of" to describe something that exceeds the limits or abilities of a person, object, or system. For example: "The task was "beyond the capability of" the existing software."

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

Some alternatives include "exceeding the limits of", "surpassing the ability of", or "not capable of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "beyond the capability of" or "incapable of"?

While both phrases convey a lack of ability, "beyond the capability of" often implies that the task or requirement exceeds a certain limit, whereas "incapable of" simply states a lack of capacity. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the exceeding of limits or the inherent lack of ability.

How formal is the phrase "beyond the capability of"?

"Beyond the capability of" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It is commonly used in scientific, news, and business writing, making it a versatile choice for various situations.