it's impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's impossible to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something cannot be done, has not been done, or is not likely to be done. Example: It's impossible to build a time machine.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's impossible to predict.

The New York Times

It's impossible to know.

The New York Times

It's impossible to tell.

The New Yorker

"It's impossible to say".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's impossible to leave".

The New York Times

It's impossible to stop".

The New York Times

It's impossible to talk about.

The New Yorker

"It's impossible to do it".

The New York Times

It's impossible to live normally.

Independent

It's impossible to write about.

The New Yorker

"It's impossible to get away".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "it's impossible to" with a verb that accurately reflects the area of impossibility. For instance, "It's impossible to predict" implies uncertainty, while "It's impossible to lift" suggests physical limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "it's impossible to" when describing tasks that are merely very challenging or unlikely. Overusing it dilutes its meaning and can make your writing seem hyperbolic. Instead, consider using softer alternatives like "it's highly improbable to" or "it's unlikely to."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's impossible to" functions as an impersonal construction expressing impossibility. It is typically followed by a verb in the infinitive form, indicating an action or state that cannot be achieved or realized. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's impossible to" is a versatile phrase used to express a definitive lack of possibility. It is grammatically correct and very common in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives exist to soften the tone or emphasize different aspects of impossibility, "it's impossible to" remains a direct and effective way to convey that something cannot be done. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not possible to

A more direct and literal way of stating that something cannot be done.

there's no way to

A more colloquial way of expressing that something is not achievable.

it's unfeasible to

Emphasizes the impracticality or lack of viability of a course of action.

it's unworkable to

Focuses on the idea that something is not able to be done or used successfully.

it's unattainable to

Highlights that the goal or result is out of reach or impossible to achieve.

it's futile to

Highlights the pointlessness of attempting something because it will not succeed.

it's out of the question to

Implies that something is completely unacceptable or not worth considering.

it's hopeless to

Suggests a lack of hope or optimism regarding the possibility of something happening.

it's inconceivable to

Emphasizes the difficulty in imagining or believing something is possible.

it's unthinkable to

Indicates that something is so unlikely or shocking that it's difficult to imagine.

FAQs

How can I use "it's impossible to" in a sentence?

Use "it's impossible to" to express that something cannot be done or achieved. For example, "It's impossible to know the future with certainty".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's impossible to"?

You can use alternatives like "it's unfeasible to", "it's unlikely to", or "there's no way to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it's impossible to" or "it's not possible to"?

Both "it's impossible to" and "it's not possible to" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "It's impossible to" often carries a slightly stronger sense of finality, but the choice largely depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What is the difference between "it's impossible to" and "it's difficult to"?

"It's impossible to" means something cannot be done under any circumstances, whereas "it's difficult to" means something can be done but requires significant effort or skill. The choice depends on whether the action is truly unachievable or just challenging.