beyond the reach

USAGE SUMMARY

"beyond the reach" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
In general, it is used to describe something that cannot be achieved or is out of reach. For example, "The shore was beyond the reach of the small boat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are beyond the reach of justice.

Independent

But the prices are beyond the reach of most.

The Economist

They're in their own world, beyond the reach of adults.

The New Yorker

SOME facts are beyond the reach of search engines.

The New York Times - Food

Alas, it is beyond the reach of regulators and legislators.

The Economist

The sovereign lies beyond the reach of party politics.

The Economist

They are not beyond the reach of Dieudonné.

Independent

But we were safely beyond the reach of retaliation.

The New York Times

Many Allied factories remained beyond the reach of Axis forces.

The New Yorker

By "innocent" he means beyond the reach of law.

The Guardian

That number remains beyond the reach of Republicans.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond the reach", ensure that the context clearly defines what is unattainable or inaccessible. For instance, specify whether it refers to physical distance, financial limitations, or abstract concepts like understanding or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond the reach" vaguely. Always clarify what specific aspect or element is unattainable. For example, instead of saying "Success was beyond the reach", specify "Financial stability was beyond the reach of the small business".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond the reach" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate something is unattainable, inaccessible, or outside the limits of capability. As Ludwig indicates, it correctly conveys a sense of something being out of grasp.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beyond the reach" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes something unattainable or inaccessible. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It appears most often in news media and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various forms of writing. Related phrases include "out of reach", "unattainable", and "inaccessible". When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid vagueness, ensuring the context defines what is specifically out of reach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of reach

This is a more direct synonym, implying a physical or metaphorical inability to grasp or attain something.

unattainable

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving or obtaining something.

inaccessible

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of accessing something, whether physically or metaphorically.

unachievable

Similar to unattainable, but can emphasize the effort put in to try to achieve something

not within reach

Emphasizes the absence of proximity, either physically or figuratively.

beyond one's grasp

Suggests something is too difficult to understand or achieve.

off-limits

Indicates something is prohibited or restricted.

impractical

Highlights that something may be theoretically possible, but in practice impossible or undesirable.

not feasible

Focuses on the lack of viability or practicality of something.

out of the question

Suggests something is completely unacceptable or impossible.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond the reach" in a sentence?

You can use "beyond the reach" to describe something unattainable or inaccessible. For example: "The summit was beyond the reach of novice climbers" or "Affordable housing is beyond the reach of many low-income families".

What are some alternatives to saying "beyond the reach"?

Alternatives include "out of reach", "unattainable", or "inaccessible", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "out of reach" instead of "beyond the reach"?

Yes, "out of reach" is often interchangeable with "beyond the reach", though "beyond the reach" can sometimes imply a more abstract or metaphorical distance.

What's the difference between "beyond the reach" and "out of reach"?

While both phrases indicate something unattainable, "beyond the reach" often suggests a greater degree of difficulty or impossibility than "out of reach". The latter can sometimes refer to simple physical distance.