categorically impossible for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically impossible for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means something is completely and definitively impossible. Example: It is categorically impossible for the sun to rise in the west.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

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

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

The New Yorker

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

TechCrunch

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

O'Connell said that it was virtually impossible for financial advisers to categorically recommend private pension saving.

The Guardian - Business

It's impossible for me".

Independent

"It's impossible for me to work.

The New York Times

It will probably be impossible for us.

Independent

Impossible for humans not to age.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "categorically impossible for" to emphasize the definitive and absolute nature of the impossibility, leaving no room for doubt or exception.

Common error

Avoid using multiple intensifiers with "categorically impossible for". Phrases like "absolutely categorically impossible for" can sound redundant and less impactful. Choose one strong intensifier for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically impossible for" functions as an emphatic descriptor, intensifying the impossibility of something. Ludwig examples highlight its use in asserting definitive limitations or constraints.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "categorically impossible for" is used to express something that is definitively not possible. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. While infrequent, it appears in diverse contexts like news, science, and wikis. When using "categorically impossible for", ensure that you are emphasizing an absolute impossibility and avoid redundancy. The phrase is a powerful way to draw a firm line, clarifying what is beyond the realm of possibility. Consider using synonyms like "absolutely unattainable for" or "completely unachievable for" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocally not possible for

Replaces "categorically" with "unequivocally", strengthening the certainty of impossibility.

absolutely unattainable for

Replaces "impossible" with "unattainable" and "categorically" with "absolutely", emphasizing the lack of possibility.

completely unachievable for

Substitutes "impossible" with "unachievable", highlighting the lack of ability to accomplish something.

under no circumstances possible for

Emphasizes that impossibility holds true regardless of the situation or conditions.

totally out of reach for

Replaces "categorically impossible" with the idiom "totally out of reach", indicating something is beyond one's grasp.

in no way achievable for

Highlights the lack of any possibility of achieving something.

simply not feasible for

Uses "not feasible" instead of "impossible", suggesting the idea is impractical rather than strictly impossible.

entirely unviable for

Replaces "impossible" with "unviable", focusing on the lack of sustainability or practicality.

definitely not an option for

Emphasizes that something is not a choice or possibility, rather than stating it is impossible.

certainly not doable for

Replaces "impossible" with "not doable", using a more informal tone to convey the lack of possibility.

FAQs

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

Use "categorically impossible for" to strongly assert that something cannot happen or be done under any circumstances. For example, "It is "categorically impossible for" that project to succeed without funding."

What are some alternatives to "categorically impossible for"?

You can use phrases like "absolutely unattainable for", "completely unachievable for", or "totally out of reach for" to express a similar meaning.

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

Adding "categorically" intensifies the impossibility. While "impossible for" indicates something is not possible, "categorically impossible for" emphasizes that it's definitively and absolutely not possible, leaving no room for exceptions.

Is it appropriate to use "categorically impossible for" in formal writing?

Yes, "categorically impossible for" can be used in formal writing when you want to emphasize the absolute impossibility of something. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and context of your writing; it's a strong assertion.