was incomprehensible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was incomprehensible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be understood or is difficult to grasp, often in relation to speech, writing, or concepts. Example: "The lecture on quantum physics was incomprehensible to most of the students in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was incomprehensible".

The New York Times

It was incomprehensible news.

The Guardian

To many critics, the conceit was incomprehensible.

The New Yorker

To Arthur, Primis's behavior was incomprehensible.

The New Yorker

As a public speaker he was incomprehensible.

The Guardian - Books

Some people whispered that Rock'n'Roll was incomprehensible.

The Guardian

"It was incomprehensible," Sergeant Pogany said.

The New York Times

Their grief was incomprehensible, said sheriff's office spokesman Jeff Williamson.

The Washington Post

"It was incomprehensible what was happening," Magnitskaya said.

The Guardian

It was incomprehensible, and so frightening I cried.

The New Yorker

Camden council said the plan was "incomprehensible folly".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was incomprehensible", ensure the subject you are describing is clearly defined. This helps readers understand what exactly is difficult to understand. For instance, specify, 'The instructions were incomprehensible' instead of just 'It was incomprehensible'.

Common error

Avoid using "was incomprehensible" as a generic intensifier. Instead, focus on providing specific reasons why something was difficult to understand. For example, instead of saying 'The situation was incomprehensible', explain 'The situation was incomprehensible due to conflicting reports and lack of clear evidence'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was incomprehensible" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as being impossible or very difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently employed to express a lack of understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was incomprehensible" effectively communicates that something could not be understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, as well as Academic and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly "was incomprehensible". Consider alternatives like "was unintelligible" or "was unfathomable" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unintelligible

Focuses on the inability to understand due to the nature of the language or expression used.

was beyond understanding

Emphasizes the limits of one's ability to grasp the concept or situation.

was not understandable

A straightforward way of stating that something could not be understood.

was impossible to grasp

Highlights the difficulty in mentally seizing or understanding something.

was a mystery

Implies that the subject was unknown or its nature could not be determined.

was baffling

Suggests that something was puzzling and caused confusion.

was perplexing

Indicates that something caused mental uncertainty or confusion.

was unfathomable

Highlights that something was incapable of being fully explored or understood.

defied comprehension

Suggests a direct challenge to one's capacity to understand something.

was a closed book

This idiom suggests that something was so complex or unfamiliar that it could not be easily understood.

FAQs

How can I use "was incomprehensible" in a sentence?

Use "was incomprehensible" to describe something that could not be understood or was very difficult to grasp. For example, "The professor's explanation of the theorem "was incomprehensible" to most students."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "was incomprehensible"?

Some alternatives include "was unintelligible", "was unfathomable", or "defied comprehension". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "was incomprehensible" or "is incomprehensible"?

Use "was incomprehensible" when referring to something in the past that could not be understood at that time. Use "is incomprehensible" for something that currently cannot be understood.

What makes something "incomprehensible" as opposed to simply difficult?

Something that "was incomprehensible" suggests a complete lack of understanding or an extreme difficulty in grasping its meaning, whereas something merely difficult implies that understanding is possible with effort.