beyond understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beyond understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is too complex or difficult to comprehend. Example: "The intricacies of the universe are often considered to be beyond understanding for many people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"This thing is beyond understanding.

The New York Times - Sports

It is rooted in everyday suburbia and the revelation that unfurls is beyond understanding.

The Guardian - Arts

It might recapitulate a life's themes, reflect on questions answered and allude to others beyond understanding.

The New York Times - Books

Exactly how sophisticated financial-sector analysts can refuse to comprehend this notion is beyond understanding.

The New York Times

As Dr. Pronovost explained, medical research must go beyond understanding the biology of disease and devising effective therapies.

The New York Times - Health

Beyond understanding the scope and magnitude of chronic pain, this is a personal issue for me.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Gain scientific knowledge and understanding beyond theory.

University of California, Berkeley

Conceptualizing power from this standpoint can, according to Hartsock, "point beyond understandings of power as power over others" (Hartsock 1983, 12).

SEP

"I think it all goes to show that our destinies are tied beyond our understanding, beyond even what we know," she added, according to Haaretz.

Huffington Post

But with intellectual feats, some people see that as beyond their understanding and therefore beyond their reach.

The Guardian - Sport

Your thoughts and deeds are beyond human instinct and reason, and are evil beyond rational understanding.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beyond understanding", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific aspect is difficult to comprehend. Vague usage can weaken your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond understanding" as a mere expression of surprise or disbelief. Reserve it for situations where genuine cognitive difficulty is involved, rather than simple emotional reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond understanding" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is impossible or very difficult to comprehend. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beyond understanding" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something difficult or impossible to comprehend. As shown by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science". While alternatives like "incomprehensible" and "unfathomable" exist, "beyond understanding" provides a clear and widely accepted way to express cognitive limitations. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for genuine difficulties in comprehension rather than mere emotional reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incomprehensible

This alternative is a single word that directly means not able to be understood.

impossible to comprehend

This alternative emphasizes the impossibility of understanding something.

unfathomable

This alternative suggests something that is too deep or complex to be understood.

beyond comprehension

This alternative uses a slightly more formal noun to convey the same meaning.

difficult to grasp

This alternative uses a more active verb to express the challenge of understanding.

eludes understanding

This alternative focuses on the way the subject evades attempts to understand it.

past my knowledge

This alternative frames the lack of understanding as a personal limitation.

above my head

This is an idiomatic expression suggesting something is too difficult to understand.

a mystery

This alternative indicates something completely unknown and unexplained.

mind-boggling

This alternative conveys that something is overwhelming and difficult to process.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond understanding" in a sentence?

You can use "beyond understanding" to describe concepts, situations, or behaviors that are too complex or difficult to comprehend. For example, "The quantum mechanics principles are beyond understanding for many people".

What can I say instead of "beyond understanding"?

You can use alternatives like "incomprehensible", "impossible to comprehend", or "unfathomable" depending on the context.

Is "beyond understanding" formal or informal?

"Beyond understanding" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific situation. It is generally considered a neutral phrase.

What's the difference between "beyond understanding" and "beyond comprehension"?

The phrases "beyond understanding" and "beyond comprehension" are largely interchangeable. However, "beyond comprehension" might be perceived as slightly more formal due to the noun "comprehension".