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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

it's inconceivable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Psychologically, JPMorgan's offer is so low that to many, it's inconceivable that Bear Stearns could be sold for so little.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's inconceivable that Tehran, which is totally preoccupied with its own defense, would lend substantial military muscle to Syria's government.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's inconceivable.

News & Media

The New York Times

In fact, it's inconceivable.

News & Media

The Guardian - Opinion

It's inconceivable to me.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

"I mean, it's inconceivable".

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's inconceivable now," she said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Now it's inconceivable not to have one".

News & Media

The New York Times - Health

It's inconceivable to him that he wouldn't win every bet.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's inconceivable that it's all important," Dr. Welch said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It's upsetting because it's inconceivable he knew nothing about this".

News & Media

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, follow the phrase with a 'that' clause to specify exactly what is being rejected as impossible.

Common error

Avoid using "it's inconceivable" for events that are merely surprising or inconvenient. Overusing this high-intensity phrase in trivial contexts can diminish its rhetorical power and make the writing feel melodramatic.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

98%

Authority and reliability

5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's inconceivable" functions as a predicative adjective construction using the dummy subject 'it'. It serves to introduce a proposition that the speaker deems impossible or highlights a situation that defies logic. According to Ludwig, it is often employed as an introductory clause to signal a categorical rejection of a specific idea or possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Formal & Business

Science

Less common in

Wiki

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "it's inconceivable" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote absolute disbelief or logical impossibility. Ludwig AI data shows that it is a staple of serious journalism, used by institutions like The New York Times to frame arguments where a certain outcome is considered entirely out of the question. While it has gained pop-culture fame for its hyperbolic use, its standard grammatical function remains a robust way to express a total lack of plausibility. Writers should use it when they want to convey a sense of profound shock or logical certainty that a scenario simply cannot exist.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unthinkable

Suggests something is so outside the norm that one cannot even contemplate it.

it's unimaginable

Focuses on the lack of mental capacity to picture such a scenario occurring.

it's beyond belief

Emphasizes the speaker's personal shock or refusal to accept the truth.

it's preposterous

Adds a layer of ridicule, suggesting the idea is contrary to reason or common sense.

it's out of the question

More focused on an idea being practically impossible or strictly forbidden.

it's preposterous

Implicitly suggests that the notion is absurd or laughable.

it's highly improbable

A more clinical, probabilistic assessment of the situation rather than a total rejection.

it's hard to fathom

Describes something difficult to understand or get to the bottom of.

it's absurd

Directly attacks the logic of the situation as being ridiculous.

it's impossible

The most literal and basic way to express that something cannot happen.

FAQs

What does it's inconceivable mean?

It means that something is totally impossible to imagine, believe or grasp. It suggests a complete lack of plausibility, as seen in various examples from Ludwig where writers find certain outcomes "beyond belief".

How to use it's inconceivable in a sentence?

You can use it as a standalone reaction or as a lead-in, such as: ""it's inconceivable" that the plan would fail under these conditions". It functions as a strong declarative statement.

What can I say instead of it's inconceivable?

Depending on the intensity you need, you can use "it's unthinkable", "it's unimaginable" or "it's preposterous".

Is it's inconceivable formal?

Yes, it is considered a neutral to formal expression. It is frequently found in high-level journalism and legal contexts to express absolute doubt or logistical impossibility.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

98%

Authority and reliability

5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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it's inconceivableGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

it's inconceivable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples