be impervious to

USAGE SUMMARY

'be impervious to' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone is not affected or influenced by something. For example, "She was impervious to the cold weather and kept working outside all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But they will not be impervious to the democratic wind.

The Economist

Gingrich, though, seems to be impervious to other people's anger.

The New Yorker

But Smaland, I learned, may be impervious to change.

The New York Times - Travel

He seemed to be impervious to heat or cold.

The New York Times

The United Nations appears to be impervious to serious reform.

The New York Times - Books

You have to basically be impervious to pain.

The Guardian - Sport

Members of Congress seem to be impervious to embarrassment.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think anyone's going to be impervious to it".

The New York Times

So goannas would appear to be impervious to most threats.

The Guardian

Most important, he seems to be impervious to Unterweger's charm.

The New York Times

So a lot of people apparently think their homes are going to be impervious to burglars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be impervious to", ensure the context clearly defines what is being resisted or unaffected. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid overstating the case. "Be impervious to" suggests complete resistance. If the resistance is only partial, use a weaker term like "resistant to" or "less affected by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be impervious to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun's quality of being unaffected or resistant to something. It commonly follows a linking verb like 'is', 'are', 'was', 'seem', indicating a state or condition. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be impervious to" is a versatile phrase that signifies a state of resistance or invulnerability to something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, primarily in news, media, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "be resistant to" or "be unaffected by" exist, "be impervious to" suggests a complete inability to be penetrated or influenced. Remember to use this phrase accurately, ensuring that the context genuinely reflects a state of total resistance, to avoid overstatement and enhance clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be invulnerable to

Denotes a complete inability to be harmed or damaged, suggesting a stronger level of protection than "impervious".

be resistant to

Indicates a degree of opposition or ability to withstand, but not necessarily complete invulnerability. Implies some effort to oppose.

be resistant against

Similar to "be resistant to", but emphasizes the active opposition or struggle against something.

be unaffected by

Implies a lack of influence or impact, suggesting neutrality rather than active resistance.

be insusceptible to

Highlights the absence of vulnerability or openness to influence, suggesting a natural disposition against something.

be immune to

Suggests a biological or legal exemption from something, often implying a natural defense or protection.

be protected from

Focuses on the state of being kept safe from harm, highlighting the presence of a protective barrier or mechanism.

be shielded from

Emphasizes the act of being protected or defended, suggesting an external force providing the protection.

be untouched by

Implies a lack of direct contact or experience with something, suggesting a state of purity or preservation.

be beyond the reach of

Suggests that something is unattainable or inaccessible, highlighting the limitations or boundaries of influence.

FAQs

How can I use "be impervious to" in a sentence?

You can use "be impervious to" to describe something that is not affected or influenced by something else. For example, "The building was designed to "be impervious to" earthquakes" or "The negotiator seemed to "be impervious to" emotional appeals".

What's the difference between "be impervious to" and "be immune to"?

"Be impervious to" generally means something cannot be penetrated or affected, whereas "be immune to" often implies a biological or legal protection against something. For example, a shield might "be impervious to" bullets, while a person might "be immune to" a disease.

What are some alternatives to "be impervious to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be resistant to", "be unaffected by", or "be invulnerable to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become impervious to"?

Yes, it is correct. "Become impervious to" describes the process of something gaining resistance or invulnerability over time. For instance, "The skin can "become impervious to" the sun's rays with repeated exposure and proper sunscreen use".