it has proved impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It has proved impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express something has proven to be incapable of being done or achieved. For example: "Despite our best efforts, it has proved impossible to find a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But it has proved impossible to reform.

The Guardian

It has proved impossible to complete the Doha round.

The Guardian - Business

It has proved impossible during this general election campaign.

The Guardian

But it has proved impossible to escape her father's legacy.

The Guardian

It has proved impossible to eliminate by normal means palm and fingerprints found in the flat.

The Guardian

It has proved impossible to coordinate the schedules of everyone involved in the show.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"It seems like such an obvious relationship but it has proven impossible to prove".

The New York Times

He has argued that there is money to be saved by abolishing the upper house but it has proven impossible to verify the amount.

The Guardian - Opinion

This focus on methods, rather than on what the methods bring about, makes it appear as though the subtraction of a life is not in principle cruel and unusual, even if it has proven impossible so far to find a way of bringing about the subtraction of a life that is not cruel and unusual.

The New York Times

Thus, whatever is the mode of action of 2,6-xylidine carcinogenicity in rodents, it has proven impossible to detect mutagenic effects in Ames tests with numerous variations of metabolic conditions, or even using acetyltransferase overexpressing strains of bacteria.

Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology

Aside from the transfer of genetic material through pollen, there are many other ways in which it has proven impossible to contain the risk of contamination.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has proved impossible", ensure the context clearly explains what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it has proved impossible" when the situation is merely difficult or challenging, not entirely unattainable. This phrase should be reserved for situations where all options have been exhausted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has proved impossible" functions as a declarative statement expressing that a particular action, goal, or outcome has been demonstrated to be unattainable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has proved impossible" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something has been shown to be unattainable despite efforts to achieve it. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. The phrase serves to convey finality and justify a change in strategy. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to and avoid overstating the impossibility when the situation is merely challenging. Alternatives such as "it has turned out to be unachievable" or "it simply cannot be done" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has turned out to be unachievable

Replaces "proved impossible" with a more descriptive phrase focusing on the lack of achievement.

it has been beyond reach

Emphasizes the unattainability of the goal, suggesting it was never within the realm of possibility.

it has been demonstrated to be unworkable

Highlights that the method or plan failed after being tested or attempted.

it has become undoable

Uses a less formal term, "undoable", to suggest that something previously possible is no longer so.

it has defied all attempts

Implies repeated efforts were made, all without success, highlighting the challenge involved.

it has resisted every effort

Similar to 'defied all attempts', suggesting active resistance from the subject.

it simply cannot be done

A direct and concise way of expressing impossibility, often used in more informal settings.

achieving it has been out of the question

Indicates that the possibility of achieving the goal was never seriously considered or has been ruled out.

it has not been feasible

Focuses on the practicality and logistical challenges that made something impossible.

it has met with failure

Emphasizes the unsuccessful outcome, less focused on the inherent impossibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it has proved impossible" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "it has been demonstrated to be unachievable" or "it has proven unfeasible".

What's a less formal way to say "it has proved impossible"?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "it simply cannot be done" or "it's just not doable".

When is it appropriate to use "it has proved impossible" instead of "it has been difficult"?

"It has proved impossible" is suitable when something is truly unattainable despite significant effort, whereas "it has been difficult" implies challenges exist but are potentially surmountable.

Is "it has proven impossible" interchangeable with "it has proved impossible"?

Yes, "it has proven impossible" is grammatically correct and essentially interchangeable with "it has proved impossible", with both conveying the same meaning.