is incomprehensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is incomprehensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be understood or is difficult to grasp. Example: "The instructions were so poorly written that they are incomprehensible to anyone without a technical background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The pressure is incomprehensible".

The New York Times - Style

The idea is incomprehensible.

The Guardian - Travel

Sometimes human behaviour is incomprehensible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That is incomprehensible," he said.

The New York Times

Much of its internal process is incomprehensible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"To say money doesn't matter is incomprehensible".

The Guardian

The news of his death is incomprehensible".

The Guardian

I am the silence that is incomprehensible. . . .

The New Yorker

"Many investors think the market is incomprehensible".

The New York Times

That it's not already underway is incomprehensible.

The New York Times

Some products aren't covered, and the system is incomprehensible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "is incomprehensible". If you are writing for a general audience, you might want to provide additional explanation or use a simpler alternative.

Common error

Avoid using "is incomprehensible" when a simpler phrase like "is unclear" or "is confusing" would suffice. Overusing complex language can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is incomprehensible" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as impossible or very difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples of it serving this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is incomprehensible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that is impossible or very difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, noting its presence in various contexts such as news, media, and formal writing. While versatile, be mindful of using simpler alternatives when appropriate to avoid sounding pretentious. Its high frequency and authoritative sources indicate its reliability and appropriateness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unintelligible

Replaces "incomprehensible" with a synonym that emphasizes the lack of clarity or meaning.

is unfathomable

Suggests that something is too deep or complex to be understood, differing slightly in connotation from merely being difficult to understand.

is beyond comprehension

Similar to "beyond understanding", but uses the more formal word "comprehension".

is beyond understanding

More explicitly states that something cannot be understood, adding emphasis.

is not understandable

A more direct and simple way of saying that something cannot be understood.

is impenetrable

Suggests that something is like a barrier that cannot be passed through or understood.

is impossible to grasp

Focuses on the difficulty of mentally seizing or understanding something.

defies explanation

Highlights that something is so unusual that it cannot be explained.

is a mystery

Implies that something is not only not understood, but also puzzling or enigmatic.

is Greek to me

An idiomatic expression indicating complete lack of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "is incomprehensible" in a sentence?

The phrase "is incomprehensible" is used to describe something that is impossible or very difficult to understand. For example, "The instructions were so poorly written that they "are incomprehensible" to anyone without a technical background."

What can I say instead of "is incomprehensible"?

You can use alternatives like "is unintelligible", "is unfathomable", or "is beyond understanding" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is incomprehensible" or "are incomprehensible"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is incomprehensible" with singular subjects (e.g., "The idea is incomprehensible") and "are incomprehensible" with plural subjects (e.g., "The instructions are incomprehensible").

What's the difference between "is incomprehensible" and "is confusing"?

"Is incomprehensible" suggests a complete lack of understanding, while "is confusing" suggests difficulty in understanding but not necessarily a complete lack of comprehension. Something that is confusing might become clear with more effort, but something that is incomprehensible might remain so regardless of effort.