impossible to attend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to attend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone cannot be present at an event or meeting due to various reasons. Example: "Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment, so it is impossible to attend the conference this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Today, it is evidently impossible to attend the Gathering without hearing the classic Robert Service poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee" at least three times.

The New Yorker

For years, it has been impossible to attend a concert anywhere in the United States without hearing someone cry out "Free Bird!" Apparently, people think this is amusing.

The Guardian - Music

And, if it does not moderate its behaviour, it will face the risk that foreign statesmen as France's Nicolas Sarkozy has already threatened may find it politically impossible to attend the opening ceremony.

The Economist

Given that it is impossible to attend to even a fraction of the information that is available on the web, most individuals prioritise information that is congruent with their current values, simply ignoring any discrepant information.

The Guardian

For the key street style icons who are constantly photographed it must add time onto the schedule if they are asked to pose – it's almost impossible to attend everything (and be on time) as it is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My daughter was so traumatised she didn't go to school for 4 months and after that I had numerous hospital, social worker and other agency appointments that would have been impossible to attend and work full time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is difficult or impossible for them to attend Nepalese schools.

The New Yorker

When the government effectively made those impossible, they threatened to attend the official gatherings with their own supporters.

The New York Times

"It is being treated with radiation, which has made it impossible for me to attend as many movies as I used to".

The New York Times

He frequently express regret that his death would make it impossible for him to attend what he called "the biggest sale of the century".

The New Yorker

Dylan, 75, wrote to the academy last month to say he had been left "speechless" by the honour, but that other commitments had made it "unfortunately impossible" for him to attend the ceremony.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to attend", ensure the context clearly explains why attendance is impossible. Be specific about the reasons to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to attend" when "difficult to attend" or "unlikely to attend" would be more accurate. "Impossible" suggests a complete lack of feasibility, while other options indicate a lower degree of difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to attend" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied subject, indicating a condition of being unfeasible or unattainable. It describes a state or situation that prevents someone from being present at a specific event or place, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impossible to attend" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the infeasibility of being present at an event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns reveals that it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by scientific and formal business contexts. While "impossible to attend" conveys a strong sense of inability, alternatives like "unable to attend" or "difficult to attend" may be more appropriate depending on the degree of impossibility. It's important to ensure that the reasons for the impossibility are clear when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of the question to attend

Emphasizes that attendance is not an option.

incapable of attending

Emphasizes a fundamental inability to attend due to circumstances.

unable to be present

Focuses on the lack of ability to be there, without necessarily implying impossibility.

prohibitive to attend

Indicates that something makes attendance too difficult or costly.

attendance is not feasible

Highlights the impracticality of attending.

precluded from attending

Implies that something is preventing attendance.

not in a position to attend

Suggests that circumstances prevent attendance.

forced to miss

Highlights the involuntary nature of missing the event.

not able to make it

A more informal way of saying someone cannot attend.

cannot be there

A simple statement of absence.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to attend" to express that it is not feasible for someone to be present at an event, such as, "Due to a prior commitment, it is "impossible to attend" the conference this year."

What are some alternatives to saying "impossible to attend"?

You can use alternatives like "unable to attend", "not able to make it", or "precluded from attending" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "impossible to attend" or "impossible attending"?

"Impossible to attend" is the correct form. The infinitive form "to attend" is necessary after the adjective "impossible" to express the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "impossible to attend" and "difficult to attend"?

"Impossible to attend" suggests that there is no way to be present, while "difficult to attend" implies that there are obstacles, but attendance is still potentially feasible.