are unanswerable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unanswerable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe questions or problems that cannot be answered or resolved. Example: "Some philosophical questions are unanswerable, leaving us to ponder their implications indefinitely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Those questions are unanswerable now.

The New York Times

Such questions are as reckless as they are unanswerable.

The New York Times - Arts

As it happens, I do not think that these arguments against assisted suicide are unanswerable.

Independent

"But that is not to say that they are unanswerable questions".

The New York Times

It may be, of course, that these questions are unanswerable in a general sense.

The Guardian - Books

Basic questions like how common annual physical exams are and what testing is part of them are unanswerable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The logic is unanswerable.

Independent

This may well be unanswerable.

The Guardian - Tech

That question is unanswerable, of course.

The New York Times

For now, that question is unanswerable.

The New York Times - Sports

The reasons have to be unanswerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unanswerable", ensure the context clearly indicates why the questions or issues are impossible to resolve, providing enough information for the reader to understand the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "are unanswerable" when the questions are simply difficult or require further research; reserve it for situations where a definitive answer is fundamentally unattainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unanswerable" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns or pronouns to describe questions, problems, or situations that cannot be answered or resolved. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to indicate the impossibility of finding an answer.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are unanswerable" is a useful tool for describing questions or problems that fundamentally lack a solution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly justifies why the issue is inherently irresolvable, and consider alternative phrasings like "cannot be answered" or "are impossible to answer" to fine-tune your message. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the limits of knowledge and invite deeper reflection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be answered

Direct synonym, replacing the adjective with a verb phrase for emphasis.

are impossible to answer

Emphasizes the impossibility aspect of finding a solution.

are irresolvable

Emphasizes that a solution or answer is not possible.

defy explanation

Highlights the lack of any rational or logical explanation.

cannot be determined

Indicates that the answer is not able to be discovered or ascertained.

are beyond resolution

Focuses on the inability to resolve or solve the issue.

remain unresolved

Indicates a state of not being solved or answered yet.

are inscrutable

Suggests that the questions are mysterious and impossible to understand or interpret.

are诘屈赘牙

Implies that questions cannot be deciphered, highlighting their obscurity.

are intractable

Highlights the difficulty and stubbornness in addressing the problem.

FAQs

How do I use "are unanswerable" in a sentence?

Use "are unanswerable" to describe questions or problems that cannot be answered or resolved, like "Some philosophical questions "are unanswerable", leaving us to ponder their implications indefinitely."

What's a good substitute for "are unanswerable"?

Alternatives include "cannot be answered", "are impossible to answer", or "defy explanation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it too formal to use "are unanswerable"?

The phrase "are unanswerable" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from using synonyms like "are irresolvable" to emphasize the impossibility of finding a solution.

When should I not use "are unanswerable"?

Avoid using "are unanswerable" if the questions or problems are simply challenging but potentially solvable with further research or effort. Use it only when a definitive answer is fundamentally unattainable.