is unimaginable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unimaginable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be conceived or comprehended, often due to its extreme nature or complexity. Example: "The scale of the universe is unimaginable to the human mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is unimaginable today.

The New York Times

The scale is unimaginable.

The New York Times

Losing a son is unimaginable.

The New York Times - Sports

None of this is unimaginable.

The New York Times

An unbiddable Botham is unimaginable.

The Guardian - Sport

That is unimaginable in Europe.

The New Yorker

This is unimaginable to the older generation".

The New Yorker

"For most Americans this is unimaginable.

The New York Times

For many, that is unimaginable.

The New York Times - Books

But nothing is unimaginable now.

The New York Times

All this is unimaginable today.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unimaginable" to express the extreme nature or scale of something, emphasizing its difficulty to comprehend or conceive. For example, "The amount of data generated daily is unimaginable."

Common error

Avoid using "is unimaginable" to describe situations that are merely surprising or unexpected. Reserve it for truly extraordinary or unprecedented scenarios to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unimaginable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being beyond the ability to be imagined or conceived. This is evident in Ludwig examples, where it qualifies nouns to express astonishment or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unimaginable" is a powerful descriptor used to convey astonishment, disbelief, or the extreme nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely defy comprehension to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "is inconceivable" or "is beyond comprehension" offer similar meanings, but the choice depends on the specific nuance. When employing this phrase, aim for precision and impact to elevate your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simply not imaginable

Adds emphasis to the idea that something is completely beyond the realm of possibility.

is inconceivable

Replaces "unimaginable" with a synonym that emphasizes the impossibility of conceiving something.

is beyond comprehension

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or grasping the concept being described.

is unthinkable

Focuses on the idea that something is so unlikely or undesirable that it cannot be seriously considered.

defies belief

Emphasizes the extraordinary nature of something, making it hard to believe.

is impossible to fathom

Highlights the depth and complexity of something, making it difficult to fully understand.

is not to be conceived

A more formal way of saying something cannot be imagined or thought of.

escapes imagination

Suggests that something is so unique or extreme that it goes beyond the limits of what can be imagined.

is difficult to envision

Focuses on the challenge of forming a mental picture or idea of something.

is beyond the realm of possibility

Highlights the impossibility of something happening or being true.

FAQs

How can I use "is unimaginable" in a sentence?

Use "is unimaginable" to describe something that is difficult or impossible to conceive or imagine, such as "The scale of the universe "is unimaginable" to most people."

What are some alternatives to "is unimaginable"?

Alternatives include "is inconceivable", "is beyond comprehension", or "is unthinkable". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is unimaginable" in formal writing?

Yes, "is unimaginable" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the magnitude or incomprehensibility of a situation. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What is the difference between "is unimaginable" and "is unlikely"?

"Is unimaginable" suggests something is beyond the scope of possibility or comprehension, while "is unlikely" simply means something has a low probability of occurring. The former is a much stronger statement.