impossible to write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to write" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something cannot be written down or articulated, often due to complexity or lack of clarity. Example: "The emotions I felt during that moment were so overwhelming that they were impossible to write."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's impossible to write about.

The New Yorker

It's impossible to write down.

The Guardian

This makes it impossible to write.

The New York Times

It's impossible to write a constitution without any gray areas.

Harvard University

He found it impossible to write as an NRI.

The Guardian - Books

What's impossible to write down, soon afterward, is a conversation that comes easily.

The New Yorker

It's impossible to write about the Chateau Marmont without name-dropping.

The New York Times

I'm finding it almost impossible to write about the economic news right now.

The New York Times

It's impossible to write humour about a concept or an object.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Armchair Empire noted, "It's next to impossible to write about Empires... without mentioning Stainless Steel Studios' last project, Empire Earth".

Wikipedia

Without other people it would be, in very many ways, impossible to write.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to write", ensure the context clearly explains why something cannot be written. Vague reasons weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to write" as a substitute for detailed description. Instead of stating it's impossible, try to convey as much as possible, even if imperfectly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to write" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. It describes something as being beyond the capacity of written expression. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable and often expresses complexity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

11%

Books

11%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible to write" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates something is beyond written description. As noted by Ludwig, its versatility allows for application across varied registers, including news, academic, and even scientific domains. While its frequent usage makes it common, writers should avoid using it as a substitute for detailed expression. Instead, it is best employed when genuinely highlighting the limits of language in capturing complex or overwhelming subjects. Exploring synonyms like "beyond description" can also enrich one's writing. Overall, ensure clarity and context when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwritable

This is a more concise, single-word adjective expressing the inability to be written.

beyond description

This phrase highlights that something is too extraordinary or complex to be adequately described in writing.

indescribable in words

Emphasizes the lack of words to properly convey the subject.

too complex to document

Focuses on the complexity as the reason for being unable to write about something.

cannot be adequately expressed

This emphasizes the inadequacy of language to capture the essence of something.

defies written articulation

Highlights the challenge of putting something into written form.

uncommunicable through text

Focuses on the inability to share or convey meaning through writing.

not amenable to written form

Suggests that something is not suited to being written about.

incapable of being captured in words

Underscores the inability of words to fully represent something.

difficult to articulate in writing

Highlights the challenge and effort required to write about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "impossible to write" to describe situations or emotions that are too complex or overwhelming to be captured in words. For example, "The grief was so profound it felt "impossible to write" about."

What are some alternatives to "impossible to write"?

Alternatives include phrases like "beyond description", "indescribable in words", or "too complex to document" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "impossible to write" or "difficult to write"?

The choice depends on the degree of challenge. "Impossible to write" suggests a complete inability to articulate something, while "difficult to write" implies it's challenging but achievable. Use "difficult to articulate in writing" when you can attempt to describe it, but it's hard.

When is it appropriate to use "impossible to write" in academic writing?

It's generally best to avoid "impossible to write" in formal academic writing. Instead, try to convey the complexity or limitations of language more directly and analytically, or rephrase as "cannot be adequately expressed" and explain limitations. This demonstrates critical thinking and rigorous analysis.