it is impossible to assume

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is impossible to assume" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that a certain assumption cannot be made due to lack of evidence or certainty. Example: "Given the conflicting data, it is impossible to assume that the results are accurate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And because they remain unformed, it is impossible to assume that they will always present an unacceptable risk to public safety.

The New York Times

One is that while the press addresses topics such as politics, sports, and business in some depth, there seems to be a consensus that it is impossible to assume any prior knowledge from the readership when it comes to issues with scientific content.

The New York Times

If one accepts the protein species as the functional unit of the proteome, it becomes clear that it is impossible to assume a simple, linear relationship between the level of an mRNA and the amount of its encoded protein or even one of its encoded protein species.

Chemistry Central Journal

Furthermore, it is impossible to assume that all of a part's functions and interactions have been determined, even for well-characterized systems.

Plosone

Based on our understanding of the market constraints within the German hospital sector, we assumed variable returns to scale, which may be appropriate when it is impossible to assume that all observed units are operating at an optimal scale [ 34].

Health Care Management Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The idea of greater public involvement will raise spectres of the famous failings of mass public housing in the past, but this is to ignore the successes of postwar public development (in many new towns, for example, and in several now sought-after council estates) and to assume that it is impossible to learn from and improve on mistakes.

The Guardian

Since the networks under consideration are huge, we assume it is impossible to describe them completely, i.e., no adjacency matrix is given beforehand.

Computational Social Networks

"I assume that it is impossible to track the transaction in bitcoins".

Huffington Post

Since it is impossible to determine precisely how RCTs communicate, we assume that RCT interactions could be formed in three ways: (1) based on shared characteristics between trials, (2) based on the treatment success of trials, and (3) at random.

Plosone

Do not assume that it is impossible to do this because your hand simply isn't big enough.

WikiHow

So the runner, starting at A, can never reach B. The argument assumes that it is impossible to pass an infinite number of points in a finite time.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is impossible to assume", ensure the context clearly explains why the assumption is untenable. Provide specific reasons or evidence to support this claim for greater persuasive impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it is impossible to assume" when the situation merely involves a low probability or a lack of strong evidence. Instead, opt for milder phrases like "it is unlikely to assume" or "there is no strong basis to assume" to reflect the true degree of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to assume" functions as a strong declarative statement expressing the untenability of making a certain assumption. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts where logical contradictions or a complete lack of evidence prevent a reasonable conclusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is impossible to assume" is a grammatically correct phrase used to strongly reject a particular assumption due to a lack of evidence or logical inconsistencies. While Ludwig AI affirms its usability, it's crucial to reserve it for situations where the assumption is genuinely untenable, avoiding its use when a lesser degree of uncertainty is present. Its presence in both scientific and news media contexts, as seen in Ludwig's examples, suggests a versatile yet careful application, highlighting the importance of precision and clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not possible to presume

Replaces "assume" with "presume" for a more formal tone, emphasizing a lack of grounds for assumption.

it cannot be taken for granted

Highlights that something should not be accepted without questioning or proof.

it is unwarranted to suppose

Indicates that there is no justification for making a supposition.

it is incorrect to infer

Emphasizes that drawing a particular conclusion is a mistake.

no assumption can be made

Focuses on the complete absence of a valid basis for any assumption.

it is unreasonable to postulate

Suggests that proposing a particular idea or theory is not logical or sensible.

it's a stretch to conclude

Indicates that reaching a specific conclusion requires an excessive or unrealistic leap of logic.

one cannot simply assume

Emphasizes the active avoidance of making assumptions without due consideration.

it would be wrong to surmise

Highlights the error in attempting to guess or infer something without sufficient evidence.

it defies logic to believe

Suggests that accepting a specific belief is contrary to reason and sound judgment.

FAQs

What does "it is impossible to assume" mean?

The phrase "it is impossible to assume" means that, given the available information or the logical constraints of a situation, making a particular assumption is not a valid or reasonable conclusion. It implies that there's a lack of evidence or a contradiction that prevents the assumption from being made.

When should I use "it is impossible to assume"?

Use "it is impossible to assume" when you want to strongly convey that a particular assumption is entirely without basis or is logically contradictory. It's useful in situations where clarity and precision are paramount, and you want to avoid any potential misinterpretations.

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it is not possible to presume", "it cannot be taken for granted", or "it is unwarranted to suppose". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it is impossible to assume"?

Yes, it's incorrect to use "it is impossible to assume" if there's at least some basis for the assumption, even if it's weak or uncertain. In such cases, using phrases that indicate a degree of uncertainty, like "it is unlikely to assume" or "there is no strong basis to assume", would be more appropriate.