B2preposition1K

Beyond

UK /["/bɪˈjɒnd/"]/US /["/bɪˈjɑːnd/"]/

Definition

on or to the further side of something

In simple words: Further away or outside a limit.

Examples

  • The road continues beyond the village up into the hills.
  • Our success was far beyond what we thought possible.
  • She's got nothing beyond her state pension.
  • It won't go on beyond midnight.
  • I know what I'll be doing for the next three weeks but I haven't thought beyond that.
  • The bicycle was beyond repair *(= is too badly damaged to repair)*.
  • The situation is beyond our control.
  • The handle was just beyond my reach.
  • The exercise was beyond the abilities of most of the class.
  • It's beyond me why she wants to marry Jeff.

Usage notes

Use 'beyond' to indicate something is farther than a point or limit. It can be physical or abstract. Avoid in very casual conversations where simpler terms work.

Grammar pattern

beyond + object

Memory hint

Think of 'beyond' as 'be on the other side of'.

Collocations

  • beyond belief
  • beyond compare
  • beyond repair
  • go beyond
  • beyond the scope

Synonyms

  • further
  • past
  • outside
  • over
  • above

Antonyms

  • before
  • within

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'beyond' vs 'above'.
  • Using 'beyond' to describe something that is not a limit (like emotions).
  • Misplacing 'beyond' in a sentence, making it unclear.