be impossible to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be impossible to write" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that cannot be expressed or documented in written form. Example: "Given the complexity of the emotions involved, it may be impossible to write a satisfactory explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

To answer the second part of the question, it would be impossible to write off anyone in politics.

The New York Times

So I chose this out of a sense of bravado - surely it would be impossible to write a poem about?

The Guardian - Books

April P tries to keep working, but it turns out to be impossible to write your memoir while a golem is watching you.

The New Yorker

And the second point, which is probably an even bigger problem, is that it was thought to be impossible to write an evaluation function to tell the computer system who is winning in a mid-game position.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But Lasota also said that biographers were entitled to quote opinions under freedom of speech, adding that it would be impossible to write a biography of a subject who had recently died without upsetting anyone.

The Guardian - Film

It should be impossible to write such sentences about western Europe – let alone an area where the British government exercises joint border controls and where £17m of British taxpayers' money has so far been spent to bring order to chaos and protect the most vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It's impossible to write about.

The New Yorker

It's impossible to write down.

The Guardian

Students were reluctant at first, and some suggested that such an answer was impossible to write.

University of California, Berkeley

e360: You've emphasized that it's impossible to write a general prescription for reform.

Yale University

It's impossible to write about the Chateau Marmont without name-dropping.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be impossible to write" when you want to emphasize the extreme difficulty or outright impossibility of conveying something effectively in written form. Ensure that the context clearly explains why it's so difficult, whether due to complexity, emotional intensity, or abstract nature.

Common error

Avoid using "be impossible to write" simply for dramatic effect when "difficult" or "challenging" would suffice. Overusing "impossible" weakens its impact, so reserve it for situations where written expression truly falls short.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be impossible to write" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a strong assertion about the inability to convey something effectively through written communication. It often sets the stage for explaining why a particular subject is so difficult to articulate, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be impossible to write" is a grammatically sound expression used to highlight the extreme difficulty or inability to articulate something effectively in written form. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is valid in written English and signals a limitation of language. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse sources like News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the strong assertion and consider using synonyms like "cannot be written" for clarity or variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be written

Direct synonym, emphasizing the inability to write something.

is unwriteable

Uses a single word to convey the impossibility of writing something.

defies description in writing

Focuses on the idea that the subject is beyond the ability of written description.

is beyond the scope of writing

Highlights that the subject is not suitable for written treatment.

cannot adequately be expressed in words

Emphasizes the inadequacy of words to capture the essence of something.

is too complex to put into writing

Focuses on the complexity as the reason for the impossibility of writing.

resists written articulation

Implies a struggle to put something into written form.

eludes written representation

Suggests that the subject avoids being captured in writing.

is not amenable to written form

Indicates that the subject is not well-suited for writing.

transcends written expression

Highlights that the subject is above or beyond the limitations of written language.

FAQs

What does "be impossible to write" mean?

The phrase "be impossible to write" means that something is so complex, nuanced, or emotionally charged that it cannot be adequately expressed or captured in written form. It suggests a limitation of language in conveying the full essence of the subject.

When should I use the phrase "be impossible to write"?

Use "be impossible to write" when you genuinely believe that the subject at hand is beyond the capacity of written language to fully describe or explain. Ensure that the context supports this claim, highlighting the specific challenges involved in attempting to write about it.

What are some alternatives to "be impossible to write"?

Alternatives include "cannot be written", "is unwriteable", or "defies description in writing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever acceptable to use "be impossible to write" even if it's just very difficult?

While it's tempting to use hyperbole, "be impossible to write" should be reserved for situations where the challenge is genuinely insurmountable. If it's merely very difficult, consider using phrases like "be extremely challenging to write" or "be particularly difficult to articulate in writing" instead.