of unimaginable proportion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'of unimaginable proportion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is too large or extreme to comprehend or measure. For example: The destruction caused by the hurricane was of unimaginable proportion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is a disaster of unimaginable proportion and could certainly cause a grave humanitarian crisis.

The New York Times

If the actual cosmic average is greater than this value, the universe is bound (closed) and, though currently expanding, will end in a crush of unimaginable proportion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC said that the "case represents a tragedy of unimaginable proportion to all concerned" and, taking into account the aggravated nature of the murder, sentenced Ian Madden to life, with a minimum tariff of 18 years.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The consequence was destruction, deportations and death of unimaginable proportions.

The New York Times

He told WESH-TV: "It's a tragedy of unimaginable proportions.

The Guardian

Now, however, the spread of nuclear arms "is turning into a disaster of unimaginable proportions".

The New York Times

Listerine was going to be the cure for an international epidemic of unimaginable proportions.

The Guardian

Mr Wako, a key ally of President Kibaki, warned that the country was "degenerating into a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions".

Independent

Later, at his trial, they wore the devastated look of people swept up in a family tragedy of unimaginable proportions, one they feared they had helped bring about.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, the imagery itself is the draw, the footage of crazy-ass athletes doing nutso stuff such as jumping out of helicopters in nylon wingsuits like flying squirrels, free-diving among sharks or surfing waves of unimaginable proportions.

The Guardian - Film

On 5 June 1982, two weeks before he died, Calvi wrote to Pope John Paul II, giving warning that the collapse of the Banco Ambrosiano would 'provoke a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions in which the Church will suffer the gravest damage'.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of unimaginable proportion" to describe events or situations that are difficult to fully grasp due to their extreme scale or impact. This phrase adds emphasis and a sense of awe or disbelief to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "of unimaginable proportion" to describe everyday situations or minor inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for truly extraordinary circumstances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of unimaginable proportion" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, adding emphasis to its scale or impact. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used to describe events or situations that are difficult to grasp due to their extremity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of unimaginable proportion" serves to amplify the impact or size of a subject, suggesting it surpasses typical understanding. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds use in journalistic and encyclopedic contexts. While the frequency is rare, it adds significant emphasis. Consider utilizing synonyms such as "of immense scale" or "of staggering proportions" for variety, and avoid overuse in ordinary contexts to maintain its powerful effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of staggering proportions

Focuses on the overwhelming and shocking nature of the size or impact.

of unbelievable extent

Focuses on the scale of something.

of immense scale

Focuses on the size and extent rather than the conceptual difficulty.

of incalculable magnitude

Emphasizes the inability to accurately measure the size or impact.

of catastrophic dimensions

Emphasizes the destructive and devastating impact.

beyond comprehension

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or grasping the extent.

of unprecedented scope

Stresses the novelty and lack of prior examples.

of world-altering magnitude

Focuses on the transformative effects of the event or situation.

of global significance

Highlights the widespread importance and impact.

of extraordinary size

Highlights the large physical dimensions.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "of unimaginable proportion" in a sentence?

Use "of unimaginable proportion" to describe situations or events that are so large or extreme that they are difficult to comprehend. For example, "The damage caused by the earthquake was "of unimaginable proportion"".

What are some alternatives to "of unimaginable proportion"?

Some alternatives include "of immense scale", "of staggering proportions", or "beyond comprehension". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "of unimaginable proportions" (plural) instead of "of unimaginable proportion" (singular)?

While "of unimaginable proportion" is acceptable, "of unimaginable proportions" is also commonly used and can be more appropriate when referring to multiple aspects or elements contributing to the overall scale or impact.

What makes "of unimaginable proportion" a strong phrase to use in writing?

The phrase "of unimaginable proportion" is strong because it immediately conveys the extreme nature of something. It creates a sense of awe, shock, or disbelief in the reader, making it effective for emphasizing significant events or impacts.