it is impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is impossible to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize how difficult or impossible it is to do something. For example: It is impossible to measure the exact size of the universe.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is impossible to predict.

The Economist

"It is impossible to forget".

The New York Times

It is impossible to know.

The New York Times

It is impossible to relax".

Independent

It is impossible to tell.

The New York Times

It is impossible to say.

Independent

It is impossible to prove a negative.

The New York Times

"It is impossible to get a loan".

The New York Times - Magazine

It is impossible to pinpoint it.

The Economist

It is impossible to put down.

The Economist

It is impossible to know for sure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is impossible to" to convey a strong sense of impossibility. It is most effective when you need to emphasize the infeasibility or unattainability of something. Ensure that the statement is accurate and not an exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase "it is impossible to", as it can make your writing sound repetitive and absolute. Consider using alternatives that offer a nuanced view or suggest a high degree of difficulty rather than absolute impossibility. For instance, explore phrases like "it's extremely difficult to" or "it remains highly unlikely that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to" functions as an emphatic declarative statement, asserting the infeasibility or unattainability of a particular action or outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to strongly convey that something cannot be done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is impossible to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something cannot be done. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it's frequently found in news and media, conveying a strong sense of impossibility. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Remember to utilize this phrase when truly highlighting the infeasibility or unattainability of an action or outcome, and leverage the provided examples and related phrases to enhance clarity and variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's simply not possible to

Replaces "it is" with "it's" and adds "simply" for emphasis.

it cannot be done to

Uses a passive voice construction to emphasize the impossibility.

it's out of the question to

Expresses that something is not allowed or acceptable.

there's no way to

A more informal way of saying something is impossible.

it's unfeasible to

Indicates that something is not practical or realistic.

it's unattainable to

Highlights that a goal or achievement cannot be reached.

it defies possibility to

Emphasizes that something goes against what is possible.

it's beyond reach to

Indicates that something is not within the realm of possibility or access.

there is no chance to

Expresses a lack of opportunity or likelihood.

it's unthinkable to

Suggests that something is so unlikely or undesirable that it cannot be considered.

FAQs

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

Use "it is impossible to" to emphasize the infeasibility of something. For example, "It is impossible to predict the future with certainty."

What are some alternatives to "it is impossible to"?

Alternatives include "it's simply not possible to", "there's no way to", or "it's unfeasible to", depending on the context.

Is "it is impossible to" formal or informal?

"It is impossible to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

When should I use "it is impossible to" instead of "it is difficult to"?

Use "it is impossible to" when something is truly not feasible or achievable under any circumstances. Use "it is difficult to" when something presents significant challenges but is still potentially achievable.