impossible to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something cannot exist or occur in a certain state or condition. Example: "It is impossible to be truly happy without facing challenges in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's impossible to be sure.

The New Yorker

"It was impossible to be indifferent.

The New York Times

It's impossible to be an honest government official.

The New York Times

It was not impossible to be right at the time.

The Economist

It was impossible to be bored in her presence.

The New Yorker

It's impossible to be motivated or to plan anything.

Independent

It's impossible to be accurate on both counts.

The New Yorker

"It is to make the impossible to be possible".

The New York Times

It's impossible to be annoyed by him in that moment.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's near-impossible to be categorical about kids.

The New Yorker

He had become impossible to be around.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to be", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the state or action impossible. Avoid vague statements by providing specific reasons or conditions.

Common error

Be careful not to overuse "impossible to be" when "highly unlikely" or "very difficult" would be more accurate. Overstating can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to be" functions as an adjective phrase followed by the infinitive "to be". It serves to describe a state or condition that is not achievable or conceivable. Ludwig confirms the phrase is usable and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impossible to be" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to denote a state or condition that cannot exist or be achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, from news media and scientific literature to more informal wikis. While highly common, it's crucial to ensure its usage is precise, avoiding overstatements by opting for alternatives like "unlikely to be" or "very difficult" when appropriate. The phrase's widespread acceptance and consistent application across reputable sources affirm its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not possible to be

A direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of possibility.

cannot be

A contraction expressing inability or impossibility.

unlikely to be

Suggests a low probability rather than complete impossibility.

unfeasible to be

Highlights the impracticality of something.

inconceivable to be

Emphasizes the difficulty in imagining or conceiving something.

impractical to be

Similar to unfeasible, but may also suggest a lack of convenience.

unachievable

Similar to "unattainable", highlighting the inability to accomplish.

unattainable

Focuses on the lack of ability to reach or achieve something.

out of the question to be

Indicates that something is not worth considering or discussing.

hopeless to be

Suggests a lack of hope or chance for success.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to be" to describe something that cannot exist or occur in a certain condition. For example, "It's impossible to be in two places at once" or "It is impossible to be happy and peaceful when you have no money".

What are some alternatives to "impossible to be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not possible to be", "cannot be", or "unlikely to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "impossible to be"?

Yes, the phrase "impossible to be" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

What's the difference between "impossible to be" and "impossible to become"?

"Impossible to be" describes a current state that cannot exist, while "impossible to become" refers to a future state that cannot be reached. For instance, "It's impossible to be completely unbiased" versus "It's impossible to become a time traveler".