almost impossible to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost impossible to know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is very difficult or nearly unfeasible to ascertain or understand. Example: "Given the lack of evidence, it is almost impossible to know what really happened that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's almost impossible to know.

The New York Times

Without an exam, it's almost impossible to know what happened when an animal dies.

Cornell University

It's almost impossible to know what younger Burmese inside the country think.

The New Yorker

Walter Isaacson's biography portrays a man obsessed with knowledge and almost impossible to know.

The New Yorker

It is almost impossible to know in advance whether the decision will work out.

The New York Times

Until you meet him, it’s almost impossible to know what to expect of Robert Carlyle in the flesh.

The Guardian - Film

But given the complex accounting that results from federal election law, it was almost impossible to know that in advance.

The Washington Post

With champagne being promoted at anything between £9 and £126 this Christmas, it's almost impossible to know what's good value.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, while you can know what you're leaving, it is almost impossible to know what you're joining.

The Guardian

"The X Factor" helped to juice Fox's fall lineup last year, and it's almost impossible to know what effect it has had on "Idol" this spring.

The New York Times - Arts

Nothing appeared to be wrong, though with this kind of music it's almost impossible to know what belongs and what doesn't.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost impossible to know", consider the audience and context. For a formal setting, use more precise language, such as "difficult to ascertain". In informal contexts, the phrase is perfectly acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "almost impossible to know" when the situation merely requires further investigation or analysis. The phrase suggests a near-absolute barrier to knowledge, which may not always be the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost impossible to know" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied or stated subject. It expresses a high degree of difficulty or unlikelihood in obtaining knowledge about something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and relevance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost impossible to know" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a high degree of uncertainty or difficulty in acquiring knowledge. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While "almost impossible to know" is appropriate for many situations, it's important to consider the context and avoid overstating uncertainty when more information may become available with further investigation. Furthermore, alternatives like "nearly impossible to ascertain" or "virtually impossible to determine" can offer more precise nuances in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly impossible to ascertain

Emphasizes the difficulty in confirming or establishing something.

virtually impossible to determine

Highlights the extreme difficulty in reaching a conclusion or decision.

exceedingly difficult to know

Stresses the high level of challenge involved in gaining knowledge.

extremely hard to know

Focuses on the significant effort required to obtain information.

practically unknowable

Suggests that the information is realistically beyond the reach of knowledge.

difficult to be certain of

Highlights the lack of confidence in the available information.

challenging to find out

Emphasizes the obstacle in uncovering or discovering a piece of information.

hard to figure out

Focuses on the complexity of understanding or solving a problem.

difficult to comprehend

Stresses the struggle to grasp or understand a concept.

tough to make out

Highlights the vagueness or obscurity of the information, making it difficult to perceive or discern.

FAQs

How can I use "almost impossible to know" in a sentence?

You can use "almost impossible to know" to describe situations where obtaining information or understanding something is extremely difficult. For example: "Given the limited data, it's "almost impossible to know" the exact number of affected individuals."

What are some alternatives to "almost impossible to know"?

Alternatives include phrases like "nearly impossible to ascertain", "virtually impossible to determine", or "exceedingly difficult to know", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "almost impossible to know" or "impossible to know"?

"Almost impossible to know" is generally more accurate when there's a slight chance of obtaining the information. "Impossible to know" implies there is absolutely no possibility of finding out, which is a stronger claim.

How does the context affect the choice of using "almost impossible to know" versus another similar phrase?

The context dictates the level of formality and precision needed. In scientific or formal writing, a more precise phrase like "difficult to be certain of" might be preferred. In less formal settings, "hard to figure out" can be suitable.