outer limits of comprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outer limits of comprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the boundaries or extremes of what someone can understand or grasp intellectually. Example: "The complexity of the universe often pushes us to the outer limits of comprehension, leaving us in awe of its mysteries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aerospace engineer Debbie Senesky is designing next-generation electronic devices that can withstand the outer limits of of outer space.

Stanford University

Membranes surround and define the outer limits of enveloped viruses.

The Membranes of Cells

Claire's Way is, to some, the Outer Limits (of Killington fame) of New York skiing.

The New York Times - Travel

Over the last three weeks of action, these White Sox had played at the outer limits of their abilities.

The New Yorker

The difficult judgments [are] about where the outer limits of that are".

The Guardian

We can deploy measuring systems at the outer limits of understanding.

The Guardian - Opinion

"A pretty scary game, where he always pushed everything to the absolute outer limits of truth".

The New Yorker

The Broadway stands close to my outer limits of greasy spoonhood.

The New York Times - Arts

When James Levine conducts Wagner at the Metropolitan Opera, he approaches the outer limits of slow.

The New Yorker

Testing the outer limits of a concept, Spirit will combine nightclubbing and New Age.

The New York Times - Style

"We're at the outer limits of the possible right now," Mr. Vedrine said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outer limits of comprehension", ensure the context clearly indicates the boundary or extreme of what can be understood. Avoid overuse, as it can sound hyperbolic.

Common error

Avoid using "outer limits of comprehension" when simply referring to something complex. Reserve it for situations that genuinely challenge understanding to its maximum extent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outer limits of comprehension" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the boundary or the furthest extent to which something can be understood. Although Ludwig indicates it's correct, its use is rare.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "outer limits of comprehension" refers to the boundary or furthest extent of understanding. While grammatically sound, its usage is rare. This phrase is best suited for describing highly complex or abstract subjects, as it underscores the extreme difficulty in grasping the underlying concepts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct, but its formal and somewhat scientific tone means it's more appropriate for technical or academic contexts. Alternative phrases like "boundaries of understanding" or "limits of understanding" offer similar meanings but may be suitable for less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limits of understanding

A shorter version, omitting "outer", focusing on general understanding limitations.

boundaries of understanding

Replaces "limits of comprehension" with "boundaries of understanding", focusing on the edge of understanding rather than the capacity.

scope of understanding

Replaces "limits" with "scope", indicating the range of understanding.

conceptual limits

Focuses on the limits of conceptual understanding.

capacity for understanding

Shifts the focus to the ability to understand rather than its boundaries.

cognitive boundaries

Replaces "comprehension" with "cognitive", referring to mental processes.

extent of knowledge

Replaces comprehension with knowledge, changing the emphasis from understanding to information.

depth of understanding

Focuses on how deeply something is understood, not the limits of that understanding.

grasp of knowledge

Emphasizes the ability to seize or hold knowledge, differing from the boundary of understanding.

intellectual horizons

Uses a metaphorical expression to represent the boundary of intellectual capability.

FAQs

How can I use "outer limits of comprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "outer limits of comprehension" to describe situations or concepts that are extremely difficult to understand. For example: "The theories of quantum physics often push us to the "outer limits of comprehension"".

What are some alternatives to "outer limits of comprehension"?

Alternatives include "boundaries of understanding", "limits of understanding", or "capacity for understanding" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "limits of comprehension" or "outer limits of comprehension"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "outer limits of comprehension" implies a more extreme boundary of understanding. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the extremity or simply the general limit.

When is it appropriate to use "outer limits of comprehension"?

It's appropriate when describing subjects that are exceptionally complex, abstract, or counterintuitive, pushing the boundaries of what the average person can grasp. For example, describing certain advanced mathematical concepts or philosophical theories.