Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's beyond comprehension
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
it defies belief
unfathomable
inconceivable
it's unfathomable
it's inconceivable
it's inexplicable
it's beyond words
beyond belief
it's unimaginable
it's beyond belief
it's out of the question
it's highly improbable
it's impossible
you could never imagine
words do not suffice
language falls short
words fail to express
no words can describe
words fail to capture
words cannot express
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
It's beyond comprehension to close its doors.
News & Media
"If this is the British legal system, it is appalling, it's beyond comprehension".
News & Media
It's beyond comprehension to me that we would for any moment at any time be anti-immigration.
News & Media
Seriously, it's beyond comprehension.
News & Media
It's beyond comprehension that such violent tactics would be used to enforce regulatory law.
News & Media
You want to dismiss what you've found as something for the body mod and gasmask set, but the cilia in your belly are a-quiver because this is so weird and amazing and so disturbing it's beyond comprehension.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
She said it was an "outrage" that nation states were not doing more to help the refugees, saying it was "beyond comprehension" that governments would allow such suffering.
News & Media
Jake Molloy, from the RMT union, said it was "beyond comprehension" that the flare was still burning.
News & Media
Agreed, our expenditure on these wars is beyond comprehension.
News & Media
Hurting a newborn – it is beyond comprehension.
News & Media
"People there said it was beyond comprehension that he showed up," the uncle said later.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Reserve this phrase for truly extreme circumstances. Overusing it for minor inconveniences can diminish its rhetorical power and make your writing seem hyperbolic.
Common error
Avoid adding modifiers like "completely" or "totally" before "it's beyond comprehension". Since the phrase already denotes a state that exceeds the limits of understanding, these additions are redundant and can weaken the professional tone of your writing.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
In Ludwig examples, "it's beyond comprehension" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It typically follows a linking verb to assign a quality of utter inexplicability to the subject of the sentence, often used to introduce a clause.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Formal & Business
10%
Wiki
4%
Less common in
Science
0.4%
Academia
0.3%
Social Media
0.3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "it's beyond comprehension" is a powerful idiomatic expression used to convey an absolute lack of understanding, often triggered by extreme, tragic or irrational events. Analysis of Ludwig data shows a heavy concentration in high-tier news publications where it serves to underscore the gravity of a situation. It is grammatically correct and functions as a strong emotive tool in neutral to formal writing, effectively bridging the gap between factual reporting and moral commentary. Writers should avoid redundant intensifiers to maintain the phrase's inherent strength.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's incomprehensible
A more clinical, direct synonym emphasizing the lack of understanding.
it defies belief
Suggests that the facts are so extreme they challenge the capacity to believe them.
it's unfathomable
Implies a depth of mystery or complexity that cannot be measured or understood.
it's inconceivable
Indicates that the situation cannot even be imagined as a possibility.
it's inexplicable
Suggests there is no possible explanation or rationale for the occurrence.
it's past understanding
Emphasizes that the subject lies outside the boundaries of human logic.
it's mind-boggling
A more informal and vivid way to describe something that overwhelms the brain.
it's beyond all reason
Specifically targets the lack of logic or rationality in a situation.
it's beyond words
Focuses on the lack of linguistic capability to describe the event, often due to shock.
it's staggering
Focuses on the overwhelming physical or emotional impact of the realization.
FAQs
What is the meaning of "it's beyond comprehension"?
The phrase means that something is impossible to understand, process or accept because it is so extreme, irrational or shocking.
How do I use "it's beyond comprehension" in a sentence?
It is often used as a standalone comment or followed by a "that" clause, for example: "It's beyond comprehension that such a tragedy could occur in this day and age".
Is "it's beyond comprehension" formal or informal?
It is generally considered neutral to formal. While it appears frequently in news media, it is also suitable for professional essays and formal correspondence.
What can I say instead of "it's beyond comprehension"?
You can use alternatives like "it defies belief", "unfathomable" or "inconceivable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested