impossible to match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something cannot be compared or equaled to another in terms of quality, performance, or characteristics. Example: "The craftsmanship of this handmade furniture is so exceptional that it is impossible to match with mass-produced items."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was so good it was almost impossible to match.

The New York Times - Arts

It is all but impossible to match up against her.

The New York Times - Sports

Online services do have plenty to offer, but the personal experience is impossible to match.

The New York Times

Even hairs from the same head will sometimes be impossible to match, Mr. Petraco said.

The New York Times

It has proven impossible to match the extent of Hitler's destructiveness.

The Guardian

What the first "Matrix" had going for it was surprise, a freshness that would be impossible to match.

The New York Times

The records of these diagenetic cycles in the dolostones and limestones are, however, different and impossible to match to the cyclic changes in sea level.

Sedimentary Geology

Thus King Philip was driven out of the Hellespont, and was despised to boot, whom, till now, it had been thought impossible to match, or even to oppose.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She has thought about moving, but not seriously; her rent-stabilized apartment and its 18 windows would be impossible to match.

The New York Times

Those that offer two-city deals, with arrival in one city and departure in another, can be impossible to match independently.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, most find it difficult or near-impossible to match the resources of groups that build their war chests with six- and seven-figure gifts from wealthy donors.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to match", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being compared and why the match is unattainable. Specificity enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to match" when expressing personal preferences or opinions where matching is not the primary goal. Instead, focus on why something is uniquely appealing or preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to match" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It signifies that something is so unique or of such a high standard that it cannot be equaled or compared to anything else. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

36%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impossible to match" is grammatically sound and commonly used to express the uniqueness or exceptional quality of something that cannot be equaled. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts, exhibiting a neutral to professional register. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity in comparisons are essential to maximize its impact. While versatile, be mindful to avoid overuse in subjective opinions. The related phrases offer nuanced alternatives to express various degrees of difficulty or inability in achieving parity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unachievable to equal

Emphasizes the inability to reach the same level or standard.

unattainable to replicate

Focuses on the impossibility of creating a copy or duplicate with the same qualities.

beyond comparison

Highlights the superiority of something, making a direct comparison meaningless.

cannot be rivaled

Stresses the unmatched nature, suggesting that no competitor can reach the same level.

incomparable to

A more formal way of saying that something is so unique that comparing is futile.

difficult to surpass

Highlights the challenge in exceeding the current standard or achievement.

virtually unapproachable

Suggests that matching is nearly but not entirely impossible, due to a high degree of difficulty.

out of reach

Indicates something is beyond the realm of possibility to match or attain.

unequaled by

Emphasizes the lack of anything that can be considered on par or equal.

cannot hold a candle to

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is significantly inferior and cannot compare.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to match" to describe something of exceptional quality, performance, or characteristics that cannot be equaled. For example, "The athlete's speed and agility were "impossible to match" by any of his competitors".

What are some alternatives to saying "impossible to match"?

Alternatives include "unachievable to equal", "unattainable to replicate", or "beyond comparison" depending on the specific context you intend.

Which is correct, "impossible to match" or "difficult to match"?

"Impossible to match" indicates a complete inability to achieve parity, while "difficult to match" suggests a high degree of challenge but not impossibility. The choice depends on the accuracy of the statement.

What's the difference between "impossible to match" and "cannot be rivaled"?

"Impossible to match" suggests that equivalence is unattainable, while "cannot be rivaled" implies superiority and a lack of competitors who can reach the same level. Both emphasize uniqueness, but the latter focuses on competition.