impossible to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or the inability to obtain specific information or knowledge about a subject. Example: "Given the lack of evidence, it is impossible to know what truly happened that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's impossible to know.

The New York Times

It's almost impossible to know.

The New York Times

It is impossible to know.

The New York Times

It's impossible to know, of course.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is, of course, impossible to know.

The New York Times - Arts

It's impossible to know for sure.

The New York Times

It was impossible to know anymore.

The New Yorker

It is impossible to know for sure.

The New York Times

But it's impossible to know".

The New York Times - Magazine

It was impossible to know.

The New York Times

It seems impossible to know.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "impossible to know" to express genuine uncertainty when information is truly unattainable, rather than as a weak disclaimer.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to know" when further investigation or research could potentially provide an answer. Ensure you've exhausted reasonable efforts before resorting to this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to know" functions as an epistemic assessment, indicating a lack of certainty or the unobtainability of knowledge regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible to know" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express genuine uncertainty or the unobtainability of knowledge. As Ludwig AI indicates, it adheres to standard English grammar and is widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to convey speculation or acknowledge limits of understanding when concrete data is absent. When employing this phrase, ensure that the uncertainty is genuine and that reasonable efforts to uncover the information have been made. Avoid using it as a substitute for due diligence or research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unknowable

This alternative is a single word that directly states the impossibility of knowing.

cannot be determined

This alternative emphasizes the inability to find a definitive answer or solution.

not possible to find out

This alternative directly states that discovering the information is not feasible.

unable to be known

This alternative directly indicates the incapability of gaining knowledge.

beyond comprehension

This alternative suggests that the information is not only unknown but also difficult to understand.

difficult to ascertain

This alternative highlights the challenge of obtaining accurate information.

remains a mystery

This alternative suggests that the topic is unsolved or unexplained.

beyond one's ken

This alternative implies that the information is outside the scope of one's knowledge.

cannot be predicted

This alternative focuses on the inability to foresee a future outcome.

not within the realm of possibility

This alternative emphasizes the improbability of knowing.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to know" to express uncertainty about something. For example, "It's impossible to know what the future holds".

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

You can use alternatives like "unknowable", "cannot be determined", or "remains a mystery" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is impossible to known"?

No, the correct phrasing is "it is impossible to know". The infinitive form "to know" is required after "impossible".

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

"Impossible to know" indicates that something is completely unknowable, while "difficult to know" suggests that it is challenging but potentially possible to find out.