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'Beyond' is commonly used among native speakers and it can be a preposition, an adverb, and a noun. In this lesson, we are going to discuss how to learn and use it.
Functions of 'Beyond'
'Beyond' as a Preposition
One of the main functions of 'beyond' is to be a preposition. Below, we are going to analyze the different kinds of prepositions it can be:
Use
'Beyond' as a Preposition of Movement and Direction
When we want to show that something is on the farther side of another, we use 'beyond' as a preposition of movement and direction. Look at the examples below:
This path goes beyond that forest.
The village used to end here, but now it continues beyond this river.
'Beyond' as a Preposition of Time
When we want to indicate later than a specific time, we use 'beyond' as a preposition of time. Look at the following examples for more clarification:
How prudent of you to think beyond this year.
If you text mom beyond 10, she won't answer till tomorrow.
'Beyond' as a Preposition of Manner
Since 'beyond' can be very diverse when it is a preposition, it can be a preposition of manner, too. Below is a list of its different meanings in this category:
When we want to show that something is more than another, we use it:
It looks like the Adams have nothing beyond their money.
The progress we made was far beyond our imagination.
When something is nearly impossible to happen, we use 'beyond' to refer to it:
I can't do anything. This guitar is beyond repair, miss.
It seems that your daughter is beyond saving. She has been consumed by an evil witch.
'Beyond' as a Preposition of Place
When something is too far and not within one's reach, or when something is too difficult for someone, we use 'beyond' as a preposition of place. Look below:
The article was way beyond my students' level of comprehension.
That bottle of beer is beyond my grasp, you know.
Position in a Sentence
Since 'beyond' is a preposition here, it mainly comes before nouns and noun phrases and modifies them. Let us study the following examples carefully:
The answer you're seeking is way beyond our range of knowledge, Monsieur.
This road, I think, goes beyond that town.
'Beyond' as an Adverb
'Beyond' can also function as an adverb. Below, we are going to analyze it:
'Beyond' as an Adverb of Place
When 'beyond' is an adverb of place, it mainly discusses what is on the farther side of something. Look at the following examples:
It seems that it's snowing in the village and beyond.
Let's have dinner on the terrace with is breathtaking view of the Lake Michigan and beyond.
'Beyond' as an Adverb of Time
It can also show the time later than a specified one as an adverb of time. Look below:
Who knows what will happen in the year 2027 and beyond.
This man claims to know the future beyond.
Position in a Sentence
Since 'beyond' is a preposition here, it mainly comes after verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs and modifies them. Let us check out the following examples:
Why would I hurt myself with knowledge about the upcoming year and beyond?
The mother her child to the balcony to show him the mountains beyond.
'Beyond' as a Noun
Use
'Beyond' can also be a noun. It is used when we are talking about other realms in the universe, especially those referring to life after death.
Witches are said to be in contact with ghosts and other creatures from the beyond.
Position in a Sentence
Since 'beyond' is a noun here, it can be the subject, the object, or the object of a preposition. Look below for more clarification:
In every religion, the prophet is said to have received messages from the beyond.
Here, 'beyond' is part of a prepositional phrase.
Exploring the beyond has always been what I most fantasized about.
Here, 'beyond' is the object of the verb.
Idioms and Expressions with 'Beyond'
We have several idioms with 'beyond' and we will learn all about them here:
Beyond one's wildest dreams: When something beyond one's imagination, we use this one:
Where she had become in life was beyond her wildest dreams.
The skill with which he was playing the guitar was beyond most people's wildest dreams.
Beyond compare: When something is so unique that nothing can be compared to it, we use this one:
This diamond is beyond compare.
The Hogwarts school is beyond compare, I know.
Beyond the pale: When someone behaves in an inappropriate way, we use this one to talk about it:
The was she reacted to such an unimportant issue was beyond the pale.
Beyond a joke: When something is no longer funny and has turned into something important and serious, we use this idiom:
Stop laughing Mathew! This is a matter of life and death. It is beyond a joke.
From beyond the grave: When we want to indicate that something happens after someone has died:
It seems that you have gotten this book from beyond the grave.
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