this is beyond our control

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'This is beyond our control' is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use this phrase to indicate that a situation has gone beyond the ability of the people involved to influence or change it. For example: "The recent drop in the value of the currency is beyond our control, so we will have to work hard to adjust our budget accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some of this is beyond our control.

The New York Times

Steering clear of injuries is the only thing that is a must, but unfortunately this is beyond our control.

The Guardian - Sport

But this is beyond our control, so we should stop worrying about preventing it and focus on detecting it.

Independent

"This is beyond our control and it would be very bad luck if half the stadium was empty for the final.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"This was beyond our control," said David Rugh, who heads the gray whale census for the service.

The New York Times

"We appreciate the outpouring of interest in this case; however, this matter is beyond our control," Chisolm said.

The Guardian

The beauty of this is that, while much in this life is beyond our control, all of us hold the power to choose our friends.

Huffington Post

However, this limitation is beyond our control even though we did attempt to visit the households for the second time.

BMC Psychiatry

"We think carefully about which companies we sell addresses to, but how their customers use this internet connection is beyond our control".

Independent

"We continue advocating to allow the journalists' access to all parts of Yemen, but in the meantime we have no choice but to abide by this decision, which is beyond our control," U.N. spokesman Ahmed Ben Lassoued told IRIN News.

Vice

Are they within their rights to do this as the situation is beyond our control?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is beyond our control" to acknowledge limitations and shift the focus towards what can be managed or influenced. This helps in setting realistic expectations and avoiding blame.

Common error

Don't use "this is beyond our control" as an excuse to avoid responsibility when actions could have been taken to mitigate the situation. Ensure genuine uncontrollability before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is beyond our control" functions as a declarative statement expressing the inability to influence or manage a particular situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided illustrate its use in various contexts, such as economic factors, external events, and limitations within a process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is beyond our control" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to indicate a lack of influence over a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, serving to explain limitations and manage expectations. While versatile, be mindful of potential misinterpretations and ensure genuine uncontrollability before using the phrase. Consider alternatives like "out of our hands" for similar meanings. The phrase serves as an admission of impotence regarding an event or outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is out of our hands

Replaces "control" with "hands", emphasizing the inability to directly manage the situation.

we have no power over this

Focuses on the lack of power or authority to affect the outcome.

we can't influence this

Highlights the inability to change the course of events through influence.

there's nothing we can do about it

Emphasizes the lack of available actions or solutions.

this situation is unmanageable for us

Focuses on the inability to manage or handle the situation effectively.

we are unable to alter this

Indicates an inability to modify or change the current situation.

it's not up to us

Shifts the responsibility or decision-making power to someone else.

we are helpless in this matter

Highlights a state of being unable to assist or change the outcome.

this is not in our jurisdiction

Indicates that the situation falls outside of one's area of authority or control.

we cannot dictate this outcome

Emphasizes the lack of power to determine the final result.

FAQs

How can I use "this is beyond our control" in a sentence?

You can use "this is beyond our control" to express that a situation or event is not influenced by you or your organization. For example, "The fluctuations in the global market are "beyond our control", but we can adjust our strategies to adapt."

What are some alternative phrases to "this is beyond our control"?

Alternatives include "out of our hands", "we have no influence over this", or "there's nothing we can do about it". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is beyond our control"?

It's appropriate when external factors genuinely dictate the outcome and internal actions have minimal impact. Be sure to use it when other courses of action have been ruled out.

Is "this is beyond our control" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives such as "outside our purview" for added professionalism.