impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that something cannot be done or achieved. Example: "It is impossible to complete the project without the necessary resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

impossible to . ..".

The New Yorker

They're "impossible to recycle".

The New York Times

They're impossible to ignore.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ultimately impossible to understand.

The New York Times - Books

It's impossible to predict.

The New York Times

It's impossible to know.

The New York Times

"It's impossible to leave".

The New York Times

"Impossible to tell.

The New Yorker

Impossible to stop.

The New York Times

They're impossible to beat.

The New York Times

Impossible to eat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To soften the impact, consider using synonyms like "unlikely to" or "difficult to", especially when addressing sensitive topics.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to" when "difficult to" or "unlikely to" would be more accurate. Overusing "impossible to" can weaken your argument and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a verb. It indicates a state where an action or outcome is not achievable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible to" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to convey that something cannot be done or achieved. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express impossibility and set realistic expectations. When writing, consider the strength of the statement and whether synonyms like "difficult to" or "unlikely to" might be more appropriate for the context. By using "impossible to" judiciously, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not feasible to

Emphasizes practicality and whether something can be realistically carried out.

unachievable for

Highlights that something cannot be accomplished, often specifying who it is unachievable for.

cannot be done by

Directly states that something is not able to be performed, often indicating the agent.

out of the question for

Suggests that something is not even worth considering due to its impracticality.

beyond the realm of possibility for

Implies that something is highly unlikely or improbable.

not viable for

Focuses on whether something is sustainable or capable of working successfully.

unrealistic for

Indicates that something does not align with what is likely to happen or be achieved.

unattainable by

Highlights that something is out of reach or not able to be obtained, specifying who it is unattainable by.

inconceivable for

Emphasizes that something is difficult to imagine or believe.

hopeless to

Suggests that there is no chance of success or improvement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "impossible to" is used to describe something that cannot be done or achieved. For example, "It is impossible to predict the future with certainty" or "The task seemed impossible to complete in one day."

What are some alternatives to "impossible to"?

You can use phrases like "not feasible to", "unachievable for", or "cannot be done by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it better to use "difficult to" instead of "impossible to"?

"Difficult to" implies a challenge or obstacle, while "impossible to" suggests a complete inability. Use "difficult to" when something is hard but potentially achievable, and "impossible to" when it's completely out of reach.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it's impossible to"?

Yes, "it's impossible to" is a grammatically correct contraction of "it is impossible to". Both forms are acceptable in writing and speech, though the contracted form is generally more informal.