out of grasp

USAGE SUMMARY

"out of grasp" is a correctly usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate when something is beyond someone's reach, either physically or figuratively. For example: The opportunity slipped out of my grasp and I felt powerless to do anything about it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That second or third goal to utterly defeat the opponent mentally has been out of grasp for some time.

The Guardian - Sport

However, some borrowers find their wealth is still out of grasp, even after they have sought a reverse mortgage.

The New York Times

Again and again, in images of trees and plants glimpsed through windows and in shadow, there's a strong sense in Mr. Dorsky's work that nature is just out of grasp, intoxicatingly near and unreachable.

The New York Times

The picture surface is a field of pulsation, as the promise of a scene keeps being made and keeps being broken, as definition alternates with dissolve, as things go in and out of grasp, plain enough – but catching you every time.

Independent

The Architect clearly wants something from Laing, but what remains is just out of grasp, like so much of this movie's narrative.

Vice

These deep flaws I've enumerated have been sold to us as "necessary" for its passage, but it has been two decades since ENDA's first introduction and federal civil rights protections for LGBT Americans remain out of grasp.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The presented design for moving, orientating and positioning electrodes is an integrant of an overall production system for assembling the electrode-separator-compound consisting out of grasping electrodes, unwinding separator and a subsequent continuous z-folding.

Procedia CIRP

We pulled our drinks out of his grasping reach.

The New York Times

They settled in Quetta, Pakistan, living with other Hazara refugees outside the Taliban's reach and getting a taste of opportunities long out of their grasp.

The New York Times

Finally, she squirmed out of my grasp.

The New Yorker

Everything slipped out of our grasp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out of grasp" to describe goals, concepts, or physical objects that are currently unattainable or inaccessible. It effectively conveys a sense of distance or impossibility.

Common error

Avoid using "out of grasp" solely for literal, physical reach when a more nuanced, metaphorical meaning is intended. Over-literal use can weaken the intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out of grasp" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It often modifies nouns or verbs, indicating a state of unattainability or inaccessibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys something being beyond reach, both physically and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "out of grasp" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase that describes something unattainable or inaccessible. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples illustrate its use in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a sense of distance or impossibility, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Alternatives like "out of reach" or "unattainable" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of reach

Very similar in meaning, focusing on the inability to physically or metaphorically touch or obtain something.

beyond reach

Direct synonym; emphasizes something being beyond one's ability to obtain or achieve.

not within one's grasp

A more literal restatement, emphasizing that something cannot be physically or figuratively held.

inaccessible

Highlights the inability to access or obtain something, either physically or figuratively.

impossible to attain

Emphasizes the impossibility of achieving or gaining something.

unattainable

Single word replacement. Focuses on the impossibility of reaching or achieving something.

unachievable

Highlights the inability to achieve a desired outcome or goal.

beyond one's capabilities

Focuses on the lack of ability or skill to achieve something.

beyond the scope

Indicates that something is outside the boundaries or limits of what is possible or relevant.

not feasible

Focuses on the impracticality or lack of viability in achieving something.

FAQs

How can I use "out of grasp" in a sentence?

You can use "out of grasp" to describe something that is unattainable or beyond someone's reach. For example, "The opportunity slipped "out of grasp", leaving him disappointed."

What phrases are similar to "out of grasp"?

Alternatives to "out of grasp" include "out of reach", "unattainable", or "inaccessible", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'out of my grasp' or 'out of grasp'?

Both are correct, but "out of my grasp" specifies whose reach is being referred to. "Out of grasp" can be used more generally to indicate something is generally unattainable.

What's the difference between "out of reach" and "out of grasp"?

While very similar, "out of reach" often implies a physical distance or difficulty, while "out of grasp" can more broadly refer to something being conceptually or metaphorically unattainable, though they're often interchangeable.