it is impossible to comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is impossible to comment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you cannot provide an opinion or feedback on a particular subject or situation. Example: "Due to the ongoing investigation, it is impossible to comment on the matter at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

She said people should not question why Rihanna has returned to Brown, but instead why Brown assaulted her in the first place, adding that it is impossible to comment on an individual woman.

Independent

"Fractures can be extremely variable so it is impossible to comment specifically on Beckham's case without seeing the x-rays, but in the best case scenario, a small chip or a crack will take four to six weeks to heal.

The Guardian - Sport

"We have not seen the documentary yet, so it is impossible to comment on the content," Ian Brennan, the mayor's press secretary, wrote in a statement emailed to The Sun.

Los Angeles Times

But without a name or identifying information, metro police spokeswoman Schron Y . Jacksontold HuffPost in an email, it is "impossible to comment on whether or not the individual is a St . LouisMetropolitan Police Officer". "I can tell you the behavior you described in your inquiry is not indicative of the standards of professionalism set forth by this organization​," Jackson added.

HuffPost

Because the status and numbers of the majority of marine species in the region are unknown, it is impossible to comment on how many of them are threatened or endangered.

Plosone

Obviously it is impossible to comment on deceased or lost to follow-up cases.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It's impossible to comment on an individual woman.

Independent

When asked about the prospect of a Genzyme deal during a conference calls with reporters, Mr. Viehbacher said "It's impossible to comment on rumor and speculation".

The New York Times

Since such a broad consensus is stretched pretty thin, dissent began immediately; yet it mainly centred on the contention that, since the facts of the case were unknown, it was impossible to comment.

The Guardian - Opinion

A BrightHouse spokesman said it was impossible to comment on Freda's case because she did not want to be identified, but added, "We are surprised and disappointed by her complaint… Customer surrender of goods is always a last resort".

The Guardian

"There could be a lot of things we could do or could not do depending on the circumstances, but it's impossible to comment on 'what ifs'," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is impossible to comment" when you genuinely lack the information or authority to provide a meaningful response. Overusing it can create an impression of evasiveness.

Common error

Don't use "it is impossible to comment" as a default response to avoid difficult questions. Consider offering a brief explanation of why you can't comment, or suggest an alternative source of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to comment" functions as a declarative statement used to express an inability or unwillingness to provide an opinion, information, or analysis on a specific subject. It's a polite way of declining to answer or discuss a topic, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is impossible to comment" is a grammatically sound phrase used to politely decline offering an opinion or information on a topic. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase sees frequent use in news and scientific contexts, and maintains a neutral to formal tone. While useful, it's important to avoid overuse and offer explanations when possible, to maintain transparency. Alternatives such as "I cannot comment on that" or "no comment" can be used depending on the situation. The frequency of this phrase is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i cannot comment on that

Directly expresses an unwillingness to comment.

i am unable to comment at this time

More formal, suggests a temporary inability to comment.

no comment

Informal and concise refusal to comment.

i'm not at liberty to say

Indicates a restriction preventing one from commenting.

i'm not in a position to comment

Implies lacking the authority or knowledge to comment.

it would be inappropriate for me to comment

Highlights the unsuitability of commenting.

i'm not able to disclose that information

Focuses on the confidentiality aspect.

that's confidential

Points out the sensitivity of the information.

that information is off the record

Suggests information is not for public release.

i'm afraid i can't answer that question

Politely declines to answer.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "it is impossible to comment"?

Use "it is impossible to comment" when you genuinely cannot provide an opinion or information due to lack of knowledge, restrictions, or confidentiality. For example, during an ongoing investigation.

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

You can use alternatives like "i cannot comment on that", "no comment", or "i am unable to comment at this time" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it is impossible to comment" formal or informal?

"It is impossible to comment" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. The level of formality also depends on the context and the speaker.

What does it mean when someone says "it is impossible to comment"?

It means the person is unwilling or unable to provide an opinion, information, or statement regarding a particular topic or situation. They might lack sufficient information, be bound by confidentiality, or face legal restrictions.