is beyond my understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is beyond my understanding" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is too complicated to comprehend or too difficult to explain. For example, "The complexities of quantum physics is beyond my understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

(Why did it have to happen now?) The paranoia that has seized the Republican Party is beyond my understanding.

The New York Times

Why people even want to go on reality TV shows is beyond my understanding, but it could be just me.

TechCrunch

He added: "It is beyond my understanding how communicating that information between professional police officers is, in any way, shape or form, perverting the course of justice.

BBC

But why exactly Toyota America has decided to use Hatsune Miku, a virtual idol barely known outside Japan, as the promo character for a new Corolla campaign, is beyond my understanding.

TechCrunch

"Why I should have heard this romantic piece at the same period that I was tumultuously involved in the primitivism of [other works] is beyond my understanding".

Wikipedia

And to abuse Amanda Bynes.. is beyond my understanding, as is your refusal so far to apologise, along with your further calling me 'crazy' today.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But it's beyond my understanding how people can reject the enormous progress made by medical science, with its record of saving millions of lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

This proxy parental dynamic was beyond my understanding.

Vice

"It's beyond my understanding how you thought you could get away with this," Judge Robert Fitzgerald told Lai before issuing his sentence.

Los Angeles Times

My parents never had to explain a particular story as, even if it was beyond my understanding, it always felt appropriately presented.

Huffington Post

(Why on earth would indigent children need to sleep under embroidered linen was beyond my understanding, as I personally thought unfussiness was much nicer).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is beyond my understanding" to express a genuine lack of comprehension, especially when dealing with complex or abstract subjects. It conveys a sense of intellectual honesty.

Common error

Avoid using "is beyond my understanding" too frequently. Over-reliance can make you seem evasive or unwilling to engage with challenging topics. Vary your vocabulary by using "I cannot comprehend" or "I fail to grasp".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is beyond my understanding" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of comprehension or inability to grasp a particular concept or situation. It indicates a limit to one's understanding, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is beyond my understanding" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a lack of comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility. While relatively uncommon, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its use in discussing complex or confusing topics. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "I cannot comprehend" to maintain clarity and engagement. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, but awareness of its communicative purpose—expressing intellectual honesty—is essential for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I don't understand it

A simpler, more direct expression of a lack of understanding.

It's incomprehensible to me

Highlights the complete lack of understanding from the speaker's perspective.

I cannot comprehend

Emphasizes a lack of mental grasp.

I fail to grasp

Highlights a failure in understanding something.

I cannot fathom

Indicates an inability to deeply understand or imagine something.

It eludes my understanding

Suggests that something is difficult to capture or define.

I'm at a loss to understand

Suggests confusion and an inability to explain something.

It's a mystery to me

Implies something is puzzling or inexplicable.

I can't make heads or tails of it

An idiomatic expression indicating total confusion.

I have no clue

A casual way of saying you don't understand something.

FAQs

What does "is beyond my understanding" mean?

The phrase "is beyond my understanding" means that something is too difficult or complex for you to comprehend. It indicates a lack of understanding or inability to grasp a concept.

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

You can use "is beyond my understanding" to express a lack of comprehension. For example, "The intricacies of quantum mechanics "is beyond my understanding"."

What are some alternatives to "is beyond my understanding"?

Some alternatives include "I cannot comprehend", "I fail to grasp", or "I don't understand it", which offer similar ways to express a lack of comprehension.

Is it appropriate to use "is beyond my understanding" in formal writing?

Yes, "is beyond my understanding" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more sophisticated synonym like "It eludes my understanding".