impossible to outrun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to outrun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation or entity that cannot be escaped or avoided, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The consequences of his actions were impossible to outrun, no matter how fast he tried to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Imputations proved impossible to outrun.

The New Yorker

Nicknamed "the Unbeatable" for good reason, Valverde is virtually impossible to outrun in a sprint up any hill.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Trying to outrun one is pretty much impossible, and when they hit driving around becomes a case of trying to avoid lightning strikes that'll rip your car to shreds.

Vice

I was able to outrun the cloud.

The New York Times

Like trying to outrun a ball.

The New York Times - Sports

But demand continued to outrun supply.

The New Yorker

I only have to outrun you".

The Guardian - Tech

It's hard to outrun this fantasy.

The New Yorker

And it misjudged its ability to outrun both trends.

The New York Times

For years, Tammaro was able to outrun his debts.

The New Yorker

— Neal Beidleman has tried to outrun his association with Everest.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to outrun", consider the metaphorical implications. It's often more effective when applied to abstract concepts like consequences or feelings rather than literal physical pursuits.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to outrun" in contexts where the physical impossibility is already obvious. For example, saying "it's impossible to outrun a bullet" is redundant; the impossibility is inherent in the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to outrun" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating something cannot be escaped or surpassed. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impossible to outrun" is a grammatically correct and usable expression signifying the inevitability of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. While its frequency is rare, it appears mainly in news and media contexts. It's crucial to employ this phrase thoughtfully, especially in metaphorical settings, and avoid stating the obviously impossible, as Ludwig AI suggests. Alternatives like "inescapable" or "unavoidable" can be used for variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inescapable

Direct synonym emphasizing the lack of escape routes.

unavoidable

Focuses on the certainty of encountering or experiencing something.

impossible to evade

Highlights the futility of trying to dodge or circumvent something.

cannot be escaped

Emphasizes the lack of any means of getting away.

cannot be avoided

Stresses the certainty of encountering something undesirable.

destined to face

Implies a predetermined or fated encounter.

certain to confront

Highlights the guaranteed nature of a future confrontation.

bound to encounter

Suggests a high likelihood of running into something.

predestined to meet

Implies a meeting arranged by fate or a higher power.

impossible to shake off

Focuses on the difficulty of getting rid of something persistent.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to outrun" to describe something that is inevitable or inescapable. For example, "The consequences of his actions were impossible to outrun."

What are some alternatives to "impossible to outrun"?

Some alternatives include "inescapable", "unavoidable", or "impossible to evade", depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to say "impossible to be outrun"?

While grammatically understandable, "impossible to be outrun" is less common and often less impactful than "impossible to outrun". The active voice is generally preferred for clarity and conciseness.

What's the difference between "impossible to outrun" and "hard to outrun"?

"Impossible to outrun" suggests a complete lack of possibility for escape, while "hard to outrun" implies that it's difficult but not necessarily impossible. The former conveys a sense of inevitability, the latter suggests a significant challenge.