is impossible to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is impossible to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or the inability to ascertain information or facts. Example: "Given the lack of evidence, it is impossible to know what truly happened that night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is impossible to know.

The New York Times

It is impossible to know for sure.

The New York Times

"It is impossible to know how serious.

The Guardian - Sport

It is impossible to know how many.

The New York Times

It is impossible to know if this is acknowledged.

The New Yorker

But it is impossible to know for sure.

The Economist

It is impossible to know the real death toll.

Independent

The answer, medical researchers say, is impossible to know.

The New York Times - Sports

With the password changed, it is impossible to know.

The Washington Post

But it admits it is impossible to know exactly.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

With the current data it is impossible to know which occurred.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is impossible to know", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is unattainable and why. Providing a brief explanation can enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is impossible to know" when the situation involves a high degree of uncertainty but not absolute impossibility. Consider using phrases like "highly unlikely" or "difficult to predict" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is impossible to know" functions as a declarative statement expressing an epistemic limitation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. The examples show its function in conveying that a particular piece of information cannot be ascertained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is impossible to know" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something cannot be known with certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It functions as a declarative statement conveying uncertainty or lack of knowledge. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it's important to avoid overstating impossibility when a situation merely involves high uncertainty. As demonstrated through numerous examples, its presence is especially strong in "News & Media" and "Science" domains. Related phrases like "cannot be determined" or "remains unknown" offer similar semantic meaning, further solidifying its role in expressing epistemic limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simply unknowable

Highlights the fundamental impossibility of knowing something.

cannot be determined

Emphasizes the lack of a clear method to find an answer.

remains unknown

Highlights that the information is currently not known.

cannot be ascertained

Focuses on the inability to verify or confirm something.

is beyond comprehension

Indicates that the subject is too difficult to understand.

defies explanation

Suggests that the situation is inexplicable.

is shrouded in mystery

Implies that the subject is obscure and difficult to understand.

eludes understanding

Emphasizes that the subject is difficult to grasp.

is anyone's guess

Indicates that the answer is purely speculative.

remains to be seen

Highlights that the outcome is yet to be revealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "is impossible to know" to express that something cannot be known or predicted with certainty. For example, "It "is impossible to know" what the future holds".

What are some alternatives to "is impossible to know"?

Alternatives include "cannot be determined", "remains unknown", or "cannot be ascertained", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is impossible to know"?

Use "is impossible to know" when there is no way to obtain the information or predict the outcome, given the available data and circumstances. This emphasizes a lack of any potential for knowing.

Is "is impossible to know" a formal or informal expression?

"Is impossible to know" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it conveys a strong sense of uncertainty, it does so in a grammatically standard and widely accepted manner.