categorically impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is absolutely not possible under any circumstances. Example: "Given the current laws of physics, time travel is categorically impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Since levitation is categorically impossible, it shouldn't matter that heavier objects, like bowling balls and cows, are harder to lift.

The New Yorker

And you are never lonely while writing, I thought, it's impossible to be — categorically impossible — because writing is a relationship.

The New Yorker

It would have been categorically impossible for Beckett to have put Jesus on stage, given the blasphemous comedy of the cock-eyed and consciously self-contradictory notion encapsulated in another great line in Godot: "The bastard!

Independent

Not only in the sense that it shouldn't be taken seriously, but also because, for Durham lads anyway, the whole thing is swathed in so much irony that it's categorically impossible to make out if this "banter" is satirical or genuine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Android as a platform is now categorically impossible to ignore, and as such, the startup is today finally launching its first Android app.

TechCrunch

It's been done in so many ways by so many people that we thought -- surely -- it'd be categorically impossible to make a "Call Me Maybe" parody that was still funny.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

OCR explained, in another guidance letter to universities nationwide, that the First Amendment categorically made it impossible for the agency to require universities, whether public or private, to pass codes that punish protected speech.

Huffington Post

Because there is always some uncertainty with economies and companies, it is impossible to categorically say that one type of fund will always be less risky.

Forbes

There may be something in that, and it is impossible to state categorically that race was not a factor in Barnes' long wait for a second managerial chance, though once in a job the rules are the same for any manager in the country.

The Guardian - Sport

Neither Larry or Sergey have any recollection of meeting him – however, given the number of people they've met in the last decade it's impossible to say categorically that they never have.

TechCrunch

It's important to remember however, that the specific causes of an earthquake are essentially impossible to state categorically, and that California has a rather lengthy history of them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that using "categorically impossible" suggests a formal and emphatic tone. Reserve its usage for scenarios that require such strength. Consider using more casual alternatives in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "categorically impossible" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone seem overly dramatic or repetitive. Opt for simpler alternatives when strong emphasis is not necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically impossible" functions as an intensifier to the adjective "impossible", strengthening its meaning. It emphasizes the absolute and unconditional nature of the impossibility. This usage is consistent with the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase is used to express a firm denial or refute a claim.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "categorically impossible" is a phrase used to express that something is absolutely not possible under any circumstances. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts and is suitable for neutral and professional registers. While emphatic, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Related alternatives include "absolutely impossible" and "utterly impossible".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely impossible

Emphasizes impossibility with a slightly different intensifier.

utterly impossible

Uses a different adverb to highlight the complete impossibility.

completely impossible

Simply uses "completely" as an intensifier instead of "categorically".

totally impossible

Replaces "categorically" with "totally" to express the same idea.

unequivocally impossible

Emphasizes that there's no doubt about the impossibility.

definitely impossible

Indicates certainty about the impossibility of something.

inconceivable

Focuses on the inability to imagine or conceive of something happening.

out of the question

Indicates that something is not permissible or possible.

simply not possible

A more direct and straightforward way to express impossibility.

beyond the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is outside what is considered possible.

FAQs

How can I use "categorically impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "categorically impossible" to strongly deny the possibility of something. For example: "Given the laws of physics, teleportation is "categorically impossible"."

What are some alternatives to "categorically impossible"?

Some alternatives include "absolutely impossible", "utterly impossible", or "completely impossible". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to say "categorically impossible" or "impossible"?

"Categorically impossible" is more emphatic than simply "impossible". Use "categorically impossible" when you want to stress that something is absolutely out of the question. Otherwise, "impossible" might suffice.

What is the difference between "categorically impossible" and "theoretically impossible"?

"Categorically impossible" means something is impossible based on current knowledge or rules. "Theoretically impossible", on the other hand, means something is impossible based on current theories, which might change in the future.