i found it impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I found it impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you were unable to accomplish something or that a task was beyond your capabilities. Example: "After several attempts to solve the puzzle, I found it impossible to figure out the solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I arrived on Ilha Grande for the first time, I found it impossible to reconcile the gorgeous semi-tropical surroundings with its grizzly history.

Vice

I found it impossible.

The Guardian

I found it impossible to believe.

The New York Times - Magazine

I found it impossible to watch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet I found it impossible to answer.

The New Yorker

As it was, I found it impossible to ignore.

The New York Times - Arts

"I found it impossible to hate the English," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Even so, I found it impossible to feel cynical about so much yearning for change.

The Guardian - Books

Even when she wasn't singing, I found it impossible to take my eyes off her.

The Guardian

I found it impossible to sympathize with Lynne Stewart George Packerr, Sept. 22).

The New York Times - Magazine

And: "I found it impossible to explain to Marthe that my love was growing.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i found it impossible", ensure the context clearly explains what specific action or task was deemed impossible and why. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "i found it impossible" to describe situations that are merely difficult or challenging. Consider alternative phrases that reflect the true level of difficulty, such as "i found it very difficult" or "i struggled to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i found it impossible" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's inability to perform a certain action. It indicates a past realization of impossibility, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i found it impossible" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a past attempt to perform a task was unsuccessful due to a perceived lack of ability or resources. As Ludwig confirms, it is frequently used in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for a wide range of communication scenarios. Consider alternatives if the situation was merely difficult rather than truly impossible. This phrase is more than acceptable, as Ludwig AI explains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i couldn't do it

This is a simpler, more direct way of saying that you were unable to accomplish something.

i was unable to

This is a slightly more formal way of expressing the inability to do something.

i couldn't manage it

This suggests a lack of ability or resources to handle a task.

it was beyond my capabilities

This emphasizes that the task exceeded your skills or abilities.

i was incapable of

This indicates a fundamental lack of capacity to perform the action.

i couldn't make it happen

This suggests that despite your efforts, you were unable to achieve the desired outcome.

i failed to achieve it

Focuses on the lack of success in reaching a specific goal or outcome.

i was defeated by it

Implies that the difficulty was so significant that it overcame your efforts.

i was not up to the task

This indicates that you lacked the necessary skills or qualities for the job.

i found it unachievable

Highlights that the task felt impossible to accomplish given the circumstances.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "i found it impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "i couldn't do it", "i was unable to", or "it was beyond my capabilities depending on the context.

How to use "i found it impossible" in a sentence?

The phrase "i found it impossible" is typically followed by an infinitive verb phrase explaining what action was not possible. For example, "I found it impossible to concentrate with all the noise."

Which is correct, "i find it impossible" or "i found it impossible"?

"I find it impossible" is used to describe a current, ongoing inability, while "i found it impossible" describes an inability experienced in the past. The choice depends on the timeframe you are referring to.

What's the difference between "i found it difficult" and "i found it impossible"?

"I found it difficult" implies that something was challenging but potentially achievable with effort. "I found it impossible", on the other hand, suggests that the task was completely beyond your ability or resources to accomplish.