impossible to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, condition, or object that cannot be altered or modified in any way. Example: "The rules of the game are set in stone, making them impossible to change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are nearly impossible to change.

The New Yorker

It's impossible to change the character of the glasses.

Yale University

"Everybody thinks that it's impossible to change anything.

The New York Times

Politically [under Franco] a few things were impossible to change.

The Economist

Or is it really just impossible to change a lot in one election?

University of California, Berkeley

Therefore, it is impossible to change the size of an array once it is created.

Stanford University

It is impossible to change a file once it is inserted into the network.

The Economist

I think it will be almost impossible to change the location.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's one of those cases where it's impossible to change anything.

The Guardian

IT IS almost impossible to change people's opinions on divisive political issues by arguing with them.

The Economist

"In five years, it will be impossible to change a whole nation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to change", ensure that you are not overstating the case. Consider whether "difficult to change" or "unlikely to change" might be more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to change" when the situation is merely very difficult or improbable. Using less absolute language maintains credibility and allows for unforeseen possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to change" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject being described is not susceptible to alteration. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impossible to change" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the unalterable nature of something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. When using the phrase, be cautious of overstating immutability; consider more nuanced alternatives like "difficult to change" if appropriate. Remember, while a situation may seem "impossible to change", flexibility in language ensures accuracy and avoids potential misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unable to be altered

Emphasizes a lack of capacity for alteration.

not subject to change

Highlights that something is exempt from modification.

cannot be modified

Focuses on the inability to modify something.

beyond alteration

Suggests something is outside the realm of possibility for change.

resistant to modification

Indicates a strong opposition to being changed.

fixed and unchangeable

Highlights the permanent and immutable nature of something.

set in stone

An idiomatic expression emphasizing permanence.

irreversible

Emphasizes the inability to reverse a change that has already happened.

unmodifiable

A more technical term for something that cannot be modified.

immutable

A formal term signifying something that is unchangeable over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to change" to describe rules, situations, or characteristics that cannot be altered. For example, "The company policy is "impossible to change" without board approval."

What are some alternatives to "impossible to change"?

Alternatives include "unable to be altered", "not subject to change", or "cannot be modified", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "impossible to change"?

Use "impossible to change" when describing situations that are truly unalterable, due to physical laws, regulations, or other unyielding constraints. Make sure that it is really "impossible to change" and not just very difficult.

Is "impossible to change" an overused phrase?

While not inherently overused, be mindful of using it precisely. Sometimes, a more nuanced phrase like "difficult to change" or "unlikely to change" may better reflect the reality of the situation.