it is beyond our capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is beyond our capabilities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not possible for you or your group to achieve or handle. Example: "Unfortunately, we cannot take on this project as it is beyond our capabilities at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The one scenario that we all refuse to confront is the possibility that it is beyond our capabilities to stop this undersea blast of oil.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cabell advises that the suggestion is "beyond our capabilities" but not, apparently, beyond our consideration.

The New Yorker

S.P.: There are no efforts, because it's beyond our capability right now to boom it off or something like that.

Science Magazine

I'm smeared as a filthy "Commie" or socialist because I believe in government as a force for good, and the obligation we all have to help those less fortunate - with our tax dollars if it's beyond our capability as individuals and the need is that great.

Huffington Post

"It is beyond our financial capability, so we will have to go to big pharma, but if [the drug] can't make money, they won't do it". Prof Bloom has just completed trials on a modified version of an appetite-suppressing hormone.

The Guardian - Business

We looked at the idea of producing it, but the hand assembly was beyond our capabilities at the time".

Forbes

But to find Putin's accounts, that's beyond our capabilities".

The Guardian

Techniques such as patch methods or functional expression assays are beyond our capabilities.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

They would protect us from what we were told to fear and what was beyond our capability to understand.

Huffington Post

It is not beyond our capabilities to aid these men in bringing down a despicable regime.

The New York Times

YONAS: No, but it's not beyond our capabilities.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is beyond our capabilities", clearly define what 'it' refers to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'Implementing that new software system is beyond our capabilities with the current team'.

Common error

Avoid using "it is beyond our capabilities" as a blanket statement. Instead, specify the particular aspects of the task that exceed your abilities, making it clear that other aspects might still be manageable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is beyond our capabilities" functions as a declarative statement expressing a limitation or inability to perform a specific action or task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is beyond our capabilities" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate an inability to perform a specific task or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is frequently found in neutral and formal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic domains. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clear to prevent ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "it exceeds our abilities" or "it is outside our capacity" can offer a similar message with slightly different nuances. Be mindful of potential negative perceptions and consider softening the statement with explanations or alternative solutions where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it exceeds our abilities

Replaces 'capabilities' with 'abilities', maintaining a similar level of formality.

it is outside our capacity

Uses 'capacity' instead of 'capabilities', suggesting a limit in resources or space.

it is more than we can handle

A more informal way of expressing the inability to manage something.

it is unachievable for us

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving a specific goal.

it is not within our power

Emphasizes a lack of control or authority to accomplish something.

it is beyond our means

Highlights a lack of resources, often financial, to undertake something.

it is beyond our reach

Suggests that something is unattainable or inaccessible.

we are unable to do it

A simple and direct way of stating inability.

it is not feasible for us

Indicates that something is impractical or unsuitable.

we lack the skill to do it

Focuses specifically on a deficiency in skill or expertise.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is beyond our capabilities" to sound more positive?

Instead of focusing on limitations, try saying "we are not currently equipped to handle this" or "we would need additional resources to take on this task". These options sound more proactive and open to finding solutions.

What's the difference between "it is beyond our capabilities" and "it is not our responsibility"?

"It is beyond our capabilities" indicates a lack of skill or resources, while "it is not our responsibility" means the task falls outside your obligations or designated roles.

Is "it is beyond our capabilities" too negative for a professional setting?

While direct, "it is beyond our capabilities" can be perceived negatively. Consider softening the phrase with explanations, like "we currently lack the resources for this", or suggesting alternative solutions.

What are some less formal alternatives to "it is beyond our capabilities"?

In a more casual setting, you could say "we can't do that", "that's not something we're able to do", or "that's above my pay grade" (though the last one should be used carefully).