impossible to know for certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to know for certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations or information that cannot be definitively determined or verified. Example: "While there are many theories about the origins of the universe, it remains impossible to know for certain what truly happened at the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Obviously it's impossible to know for certain.

The Guardian

It is impossible to know for certain, since to some degree they influence each other.

The Economist

The doctor told Aimerance it was impossible to know for certain what went wrong.

The Washington Post

It is impossible to know for certain, at this stage, whether their wish will be fulfilled.

The Guardian - Sport

But it was impossible to know for certain, just as it was impossible to know why she suddenly dropped her cases.

The New Yorker

It is impossible to know for certain, sports analysts and league executives said, though it would be measured in the millions of dollars.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's impossible to know for sure.

The New York Times

It is impossible to know for sure.

The New York Times

But it is impossible to know for sure.

The Economist

It's impossible to know for sure with him.

The Guardian - Sport

It's simply impossible to know for sure.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "impossible to know for certain", ensure that you provide context or explain why the knowledge is unattainable. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to know for certain" when there is simply a lack of evidence, not an inherent impossibility of knowing. If further research could reveal the answer, a weaker phrase like "difficult to know" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to know for certain" functions as a qualifier, expressing a limitation on knowledge. It introduces uncertainty and suggests that definitive confirmation is unattainable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

31%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible to know for certain" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of definitive knowledge across a range of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While it indicates uncertainty, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overstatements when further information could potentially clarify the situation. Alternatives such as "cannot be known with certainty" or "not possible to know for sure" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible to ascertain definitively

Emphasizes the impossibility of establishing something conclusively.

cannot be known with certainty

A more formal way of expressing the inability to know something for sure.

it is not possible to know for sure

Shifts the focus to the possibility of knowing, rather than the certainty.

there's no way to know for certain

A more informal and emphatic way to express the lack of knowledge.

one cannot say for sure

Uses a more impersonal and cautious tone.

it remains uncertain

Focuses on the state of uncertainty, rather than the act of knowing.

the truth remains elusive

Suggests that the truth is difficult to grasp or define.

it's hard to say definitively

Uses a more casual and conversational tone.

impossible to determine with precision

Emphasizes the lack of precision in determining something.

the answer is unknowable

Presents the lack of knowledge as an inherent quality of the subject.

FAQs

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

Use "impossible to know for certain" when discussing information that cannot be definitively determined or verified. For example, "While there are many theories about the origins of the universe, it remains impossible to know for certain what truly happened at the beginning."

What are some alternatives to "impossible to know for certain"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be known with certainty", "not possible to know for sure", or "remains uncertain" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "impossible to know for sure" or "impossible to know for certain"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "Impossible to know for certain" is slightly more formal than "impossible to know for sure", but the choice depends on the desired tone.

When should I avoid using "impossible to know for certain"?

Avoid using "impossible to know for certain" when there is a reasonable possibility of finding an answer with more information or research. Use it when the nature of the question makes a definitive answer unattainable.