impossible to gauge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to gauge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that cannot be measured or assessed accurately. Example: "The impact of the new policy on employee morale is currently impossible to gauge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The true dimensions of the problem are impossible to gauge.

The New York Times

Numbers are impossible to gauge, but scores have been abducted.

The New York Times

It's impossible to gauge the what-ifs of history.

The New York Times

The company's "ultimate exposure" is impossible to gauge, it suggests.

The Guardian

The frequency of these sneaky instances is impossible to gauge, but Mr. Saft has a suspicion.

The New York Times

It was virtually impossible to gauge his inner emotions; by and large they remained inscrutable.

Independent

Their numbers are impossible to gauge with certainty, and motives among them are hardly uniform.

The New York Times

It was impossible to gauge the veracity of every report cited.

The New York Times

It is impossible to gauge how many people have left Christchurch for good.

The Guardian

This is impossible to gauge until the local authority produce a breakdown of allocations by postcode.

The Guardian

What effect Schäuble's last-minute intervention may have on the vote is impossible to gauge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to gauge", ensure the context clearly indicates what is impossible to measure or assess. Provide specific reasons why the measurement is difficult or impossible, if possible.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to gauge" when "difficult to gauge" is more appropriate. If there's a chance of obtaining some estimate, even if rough, "difficult" is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to gauge" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something cannot be accurately measured or estimated. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples where the phrase describes aspects that are inherently hard to quantify.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impossible to gauge" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the inability to measure or assess something accurately. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While many synonyms exist, like "impossible to assess" and "unable to determine", "impossible to gauge" often emphasizes the lack of quantifiable data or reliable methods. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what cannot be measured and why. While generally neutral, it should be replaced with "difficult to gauge" if there is a chance to make even a rough estimation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible to assess

Replaces "gauge" with "assess", focusing on evaluation rather than measurement.

impossible to measure

Substitutes "gauge" with "measure", emphasizing the lack of quantifiable data.

immeasurable

Direct synonym implying the impossibility of measuring due to lack of scale or means.

unable to determine

Shifts focus from measurement to the inability to establish something definitively.

difficult to ascertain

Highlights the challenge in discovering or establishing something with certainty.

beyond estimation

Emphasizes that something cannot be estimated due to its nature or scope.

defies measurement

Implies that something inherently resists being measured or quantified.

cannot be quantified

Focuses on the inability to express something numerically.

unknowable

Indicates that something is beyond the realm of what can be known or understood.

eludes quantification

Suggests that something actively avoids being quantified or measured.

FAQs

What does "impossible to gauge" mean?

It means something is impossible to measure, estimate, or assess accurately. It indicates a lack of reliable data or methods for evaluation.

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

For example, "It's impossible to gauge the long-term effects of the policy." or "The public's reaction is impossible to gauge at this stage."

What can I say instead of "impossible to gauge"?

You can use alternatives like "impossible to assess", "impossible to measure", or "unable to determine" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "difficult to gauge" instead of "impossible to gauge"?

Yes, if there is some possibility of making an estimate or assessment, even if it is rough or unreliable, then "difficult to gauge" would be more appropriate than "impossible to gauge".