be impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be impossible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something cannot happen or be done. Example: "It would be impossible to complete the project without additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will be impossible to forget him.

The New York Times

The infection may be impossible to treat.

The New York Times

But it may be impossible to stop".

The New York Times

"It would almost be impossible to separate".

The New Yorker

Such betrayals would be impossible to forget.

The Guardian

It would be impossible to please everyone.

The Guardian - Books

The paradox might be impossible to resolve.

The New York Times - Magazine

It may be impossible to manage and it may also be impossible to manage without.

The New Yorker

It will be impossible to create new AI Classic projects.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

for without them it would be impossible to rule.

Columbia University

It would also be impossible to copy a quantum message.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be impossible to", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the action or outcome impossible. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the limiting factors or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "be impossible to" when "highly unlikely" or "very difficult" is more accurate. Overusing strong language weakens your writing's impact. Reserve "be impossible to" for truly unattainable situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be impossible to" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a high degree of impossibility or infeasibility. It asserts that a certain action, event, or outcome cannot occur or be achieved under any circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatical and used to express that something cannot happen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be impossible to" is a versatile expression used to convey the infeasibility of an action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct. It is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context, avoiding overstatement to maintain the impact of your writing. Alternatives such as "be unfeasible to" and "be unattainable to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be infeasible to

Highlights the impracticality and difficulty in implementing something.

be unworkable to

Stresses the inability of something to function or be put into practice.

be unfeasible to

Emphasizes the impracticality of something, differing slightly in tone by focusing on real-world limitations.

be unrealistic to

Highlights that something is not practical or achievable in the current circumstances.

be unattainable to

Focuses on the inability to reach or achieve a specific goal or outcome.

be hopeless to

Emphasizes the lack of any positive prospect or chance of success.

be out of the question to

Indicates that something is completely unacceptable or not to be considered.

be beyond the realm of possibility to

Suggests that something is not just difficult, but fundamentally impossible.

be unthinkable to

Focuses on the idea that something is so improbable or undesirable that it cannot be conceived.

be a lost cause to

Implies that an effort is futile and has no chance of success.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be impossible to" is used to indicate that something cannot be done or achieved. For example: "It would be impossible to finish the project on time without more staff."

What are some alternatives to "be impossible to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be unfeasible to", "be unattainable to", or "be infeasible to".

Is it better to say "be impossible to" or "cannot be"?

Both "be impossible to" and "cannot be" can be used, but "be impossible to" often conveys a stronger sense of impossibility. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "be impossible to" and "be difficult to"?

"Be impossible to" means something cannot be achieved under any circumstances, while "be difficult to" means something is hard to achieve but still potentially possible. For example, "It would be impossible to travel to Mars without a spaceship" versus "It would be difficult to learn a new language in a week".