is impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is impossible to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something cannot be done or is too difficult to do. Example: It is impossible to ignore the power of social media in today's world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is impossible to predict.

The Economist

He is impossible to dislike.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is impossible to forget".

The New York Times

It is impossible to know.

The New York Times

It is impossible to relax".

Independent

It is impossible to tell.

The New York Times

It is impossible to say.

Independent

"F1 is impossible to predict.

Independent

It is impossible to prove a negative.

The New York Times

It is impossible to pinpoint it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is impossible to emulate his feats.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is impossible to", ensure that the statement is indeed an absolute impossibility or a near certainty. Avoid using it for situations that are merely difficult or unlikely.

Common error

Avoid using "is impossible to" when "is difficult to" or "is unlikely to" would be more accurate. Overstating the impossibility can weaken your argument if there is any room for doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is impossible to" functions as a modal expression indicating a complete lack of feasibility or possibility. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used across various contexts to express that something cannot be done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is impossible to" is a versatile phrase used to express the absolute infeasibility of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across different types of writing. While appropriate for various contexts, it's important to ensure that it reflects a genuine impossibility rather than a mere difficulty. Alternatives such as "cannot be done" or "is not feasible to" can provide nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Remember to use this phrase accurately to maintain the strength and clarity of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be done

A direct and simple way of expressing impossibility.

is not feasible to

Emphasizes the impracticality or lack of viability.

is unachievable to

Highlights the lack of possibility to achieve the desired results.

is out of the question

Indicates a complete lack of possibility and often implies a refusal.

is beyond the realm of possibility

More emphatic, stressing the absolute impossibility.

is simply not an option

Focuses on the lack of choice or permissibility.

is not within the bounds of possibility

Similar to "beyond the realm of possibility" but slightly less dramatic.

is a lost cause

Indicates that any attempt to achieve something is futile.

stands no chance of

Highlights the lack of opportunity or probability.

has no hope of

Emphasizes the lack of optimism or potential for success.

FAQs

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

Use "is impossible to" to describe actions or outcomes that are completely unachievable or unattainable, for instance, "It is impossible to predict the future accurately".

What are some alternatives to "is impossible to"?

You can use alternatives such as "cannot be done", "is not feasible to", or "is unachievable to" to express impossibility in different ways.

Is there a difference between saying "is impossible to" and "is very difficult to"?

"Is impossible to" indicates a complete lack of possibility, whereas "is very difficult to" implies a high degree of challenge but not necessarily complete impossibility. The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

When is it more appropriate to use "is unlikely to" instead of "is impossible to"?

Use "is unlikely to" when there is a small chance of something happening, but it's improbable. "Is impossible to" should be reserved for scenarios where there is absolutely no chance of the event occurring. Using "is unlikely to" acknowledges a degree of uncertainty, whereas "is impossible to" does not.