is impossible to predict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is impossible to predict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations, outcomes, or events that cannot be foreseen or anticipated. Example: "The weather patterns in this region are so unpredictable that it is impossible to predict the exact conditions for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is impossible to predict.

The Economist

"F1 is impossible to predict.

Independent

The future is impossible to predict".

The New York Times

But he is impossible to predict.

The Guardian - Books

Just how long is impossible to predict.

The New York Times

It is impossible to predict which plans, however.

The New York Times

However, with Roman Shirokov, it is impossible to predict anything.

The Guardian - Sport

It is impossible to predict when prices will turn.

The Economist

Legal experts say the court's ruling is impossible to predict.

The New York Times

They are already quite serious; their ultimate impact is impossible to predict.

The New York Times

Whether New Yorkers beyond Westchester will favor Ms. Pirro, baggage and all, is impossible to predict.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is impossible to predict" when you want to emphasize the inherent uncertainty of a situation. It suggests that no amount of analysis or information can reliably determine the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "is impossible to predict" when a situation is merely highly unlikely or difficult to foresee. Consider alternatives like "is highly improbable" or "is difficult to predict" to convey a more nuanced degree of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is impossible to predict" functions as an evaluative statement expressing the inability to foresee a future outcome. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from economic forecasts to sports outcomes, highlighting its role in acknowledging uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is impossible to predict" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the inability to foresee a future outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overusing this absolute term and to consider more nuanced alternatives when appropriate. Related phrases like "cannot be foreseen" or "is unpredictable" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. Use this phrase when you want to acknowledge the uncertainty of a situation with no reliable way to determine future outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be foreseen

Uses a passive construction to emphasize the lack of predictability.

cannot be anticipated

Focuses on the inability to expect something beforehand.

is unforeseeable

Uses a single adjective to describe the lack of predictability.

is unpredictable

A more direct and common synonym, highlighting the variable nature of the situation.

defies prediction

Emphasizes the resistance of the situation to being predicted.

cannot be determined in advance

Focuses on the temporal aspect of not knowing beforehand.

remains uncertain

Highlights the lack of clarity about the future.

is anyone's guess

An informal way of saying that the outcome is unknown.

is up in the air

Indicates that the situation is still undecided and unpredictable.

is subject to chance

Suggests that the outcome depends on random factors.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is impossible to predict" in a more formal way?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "cannot be foreseen" or "cannot be anticipated". These options provide a similar meaning with a more elevated style.

What's a simpler alternative to "is impossible to predict"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "is unpredictable" or "is uncertain" to convey the same idea in a more straightforward manner.

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

Use "is impossible to predict" when there is genuinely no reliable way to determine a future outcome. This phrase emphasizes the complete lack of predictability.

Is "is impossible to predict" an overstatement in some cases?

Yes, in situations where an outcome is merely highly unlikely but not entirely unknowable, using phrases like "is highly improbable" or "is difficult to predict" can be more accurate.