impossible to identify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to identify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that cannot be recognized or determined, often in contexts involving ambiguity or uncertainty. Example: "The fingerprints found at the crime scene were smudged and impossible to identify."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was impossible to identify them".

The New York Times

The homeless are usually impossible to identify.

The New Yorker

The few dangerous ones are impossible to identify.

The New Yorker

Chisholm today is a different woman, impossible to identify as the binge eater of yore.

The Guardian

The plot was incomprehensible and the new spokescharacter was impossible to identify.

The New York Times

Given how little data about pensions is public, it is almost impossible to identify problems.

The New York Times

Chinese kimchi is cheaper and, for most diners, impossible to identify as a "fraud".

The Guardian

Comedy begins from a standpoint of reason, without reason it's impossible to identify what's absurd.

The Guardian

For Colombians, he said, it was impossible to identify with the narrative.

The New Yorker

But it's almost impossible to identify who exactly will be getting this money.

The New York Times

In such a context it's impossible to identify what one particular person contributed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to identify", ensure the context clearly explains why identification is not feasible. Provide specific reasons or conditions that contribute to the impossibility.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to identify" when something is merely difficult to identify. Reserve the phrase for situations where identification is genuinely beyond current capabilities or available information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to identify" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes something that cannot be recognized or determined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible to identify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes something that cannot be recognized or determined. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the impossibility is genuine and clearly justified. Alternatives such as "unable to identify" or "difficult to identify" can be used to express similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not possible to identify

Simplifies the phrase by using "not possible" instead of "impossible".

unable to identify

Changes the structure to use "unable", focusing on a lack of ability to identify.

unfeasible to identify

Replaces "impossible" with "unfeasible", suggesting that identification is not practically viable.

infeasible to identify

Replaces "impossible" with "infeasible", indicating that identification is not realistically achievable.

impractical to identify

Replaces "impossible" with "impractical", suggesting that identification is theoretically possible but not sensible.

no way to identify

Expresses the impossibility of identification by stating there is "no way".

impossible to pinpoint

Substitutes "identify" with "pinpoint", suggesting the need for precise determination.

impossible to ascertain

Replaces "identify" with "ascertain", implying a need to establish something definitively.

impossibility to identify

Nominalizes the phrase, focusing on the state of impossibility.

hard to identify

Softens the impossibility by using "hard" instead of "impossible", suggesting difficulty rather than complete impossibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to identify" to describe something that cannot be recognized or determined. For example, "The handwriting was so faded that it was impossible to identify the author."

What are some alternatives to "impossible to identify"?

Alternatives include "unable to identify", "difficult to identify", or "not possible to identify", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "nearly impossible to identify"?

Yes, "nearly impossible to identify" is a correct and acceptable phrase. It suggests that identification is extremely difficult but not entirely beyond the realm of possibility.

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

"Difficult to identify" implies that identification is challenging but potentially achievable. "Impossible to identify" means that identification is not feasible under the current circumstances.