are impossible to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are impossible to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing questions or problems that cannot be resolved or addressed. Example: "Some philosophical questions are impossible to answer, as they delve into the nature of existence itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Such questions are impossible to answer, but we do know for certain that rape myth acceptance affects mens' proclivity to commit rape.

The Guardian - Opinion

These questions are impossible to answer, but they are central to the rendering of an older man peacefully confronting surgery for a deadly tumor on his lung caused by years of exposure to asbestos.

The New York Times

These questions are impossible to answer because they involve absolute borderline cases.

SEP

Questions such as whether the allocation of funding to Wales from Westminster would increase are impossible to answer.

BBC

At least since the time of Hume, there have been philosophers who have proposed that metaphysics is "impossible"—either because its questions are meaningless or because they are impossible to answer.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is impossible to answer," he said.

The New Yorker

Andersson Thiss question, it's impossible to answer.

The Guardian - Music

But some questions, Ms. Koller said, were impossible to answer.

The New York Times

I think it's impossible to answer that question.

Independent

"It's impossible to answer," Alpher said in an interview.

The Guardian

So, it is impossible to answer your question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are impossible to answer", ensure the context clearly indicates why the question or problem is unanswerable. This could be due to lack of information, inherent ambiguity, or logical paradoxes.

Common error

Avoid using "are impossible to answer" when the question is simply difficult or requires further research. Reserve it for situations where a definitive answer is genuinely unattainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are impossible to answer" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun (usually a question or problem). Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its function in describing questions that defy resolution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are impossible to answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a question or problem is unanswerable. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used across many contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using "are impossible to answer", remember to reserve it for situations where a definitive answer is truly unattainable, and be mindful of overstating impossibility when a problem is merely difficult. Alternatives like "cannot be answered" or "are unanswerable" offer more concise ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be answered

This alternative uses a more direct and concise phrasing to express the same idea.

are unanswerable

This uses a single word to convey the inability to answer, making it more succinct.

defy resolution

Emphasizes the resistance to being solved or answered.

elude any response

Highlights the inability to elicit a response or solution.

are beyond comprehension

Shifts the focus to the difficulty in understanding the question itself, making it impossible to answer.

are not susceptible to solution

A more formal way of saying something cannot be solved.

present insurmountable challenges to answering

Highlights the challenges involved in trying to answer the question.

are inherently irresolvable

Emphasizes that the problem is unsolvable by its very nature.

do not lend themselves to a response

A more indirect way of saying something cannot be answered.

are questions without answers

Focuses on the lack of any existing answer to the question.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are impossible to answer"?

Use "are impossible to answer" when a question or problem cannot be resolved due to inherent limitations, lack of information, or logical constraints. It signifies that finding a definitive answer is unattainable.

What are some alternatives to saying "are impossible to answer"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be answered", "are unanswerable", or "defy resolution" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are impossible to answer"?

Yes, "are impossible to answer" is grammatically correct. The structure functions as a predicate adjective describing the nature of the question or problem.

How does "are impossible to answer" differ from "are difficult to answer"?

"Are impossible to answer" implies that a solution or response is unattainable, while "are difficult to answer" suggests that a solution exists but is challenging to find. The first phrase suggests no solution exists at all, while the second implies that some effort may eventually lead to an answer.