it is impossible to conclude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is impossible to conclude" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used when discussing an issue or topic and stating that no definite or final conclusion can be made. It implies that there is still ambiguity or uncertainty surrounding the topic at hand. Example: "After months of research and analysis, it is impossible to conclude whether the new policy will have a positive or negative impact on our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Considering each information source on its own, it is impossible to conclude with ample confidence that phenolic benzotriazoles are very persistent in the environment according to the requirement defined by REACH.

Environmental Sciences Europe

"It is impossible to conclude in the face of those documents that Tim Rigas acted in bad faith," he said.

The New York Times

"However, it is impossible to conclude that those changes – all dependent on one another – would have resulted in MI5 discovering evidence of attack planning.

The Guardian

If you look at all those things it is impossible to conclude anything but [that] we are further away from power than we were on 8 May.

The Guardian

It is impossible to conclude from this documentary whether American policy will succeed, though from this close to the ground the hurdles look insurmountably high.

The New York Times

"It is impossible to conclude that the individual views of hedge fund managers constitute the view of an entire industry, nor is it possible to conclude that an exit from the EU will make it any easier to bypass EU regulations, especially when accessing EU investors or trading on EU markets," said the chief executive, Jack Inglis.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Sky and Hope's disappearance had been reported to Lancashire police but until their bodies were recovered, it was impossible to conclude that they had been deliberately shot.

The Guardian

However, the penalty changed everything and no matter how many times you watched the replay, it was impossible to conclude that Alli had been sent tumbling by Naughton.

The Guardian - Sport

She said the science supporting the experts' analyses "is not as widely accepted at this time" as the more established methods relied on by defense witnesses who said it was impossible to conclude whose voice it was.

The New York Times

Vin Catoggio never got his premiership medal, but as he bounces away down Nicholson street and waves me off with beaming smile, it's impossible to conclude that he's anything other than one of life's winners.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's impossible to conclude anything other than the fact that the capability to accomplish great things in human spaceflight is in fact strategic".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is impossible to conclude" when you want to express that there is insufficient evidence or information to form a definitive conclusion. Be sure to provide context as to why a conclusion cannot be reached.

Common error

Avoid using "it is impossible to conclude" when a conclusion is merely uncertain or tentative. This phrase indicates a complete lack of basis for a conclusion, not just a lack of certainty. If there is a degree of uncertainty, alternatives like "it is difficult to conclude" or "the evidence suggests, but does not prove" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to conclude" functions as a statement of epistemic limitation. It expresses the inability to form a definite judgment or determination based on the available information. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is impossible to conclude" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the inability to reach a definitive conclusion due to insufficient or contradictory evidence. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is frequently found in scientific and news contexts, where caution and precision are paramount. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "no conclusion can be drawn" and "it's not possible to ascertain", the choice depends on the specific nuance and context. When using this phrase, ensure the impossibility of concluding is genuine and not merely a matter of uncertainty. By keeping these points in mind, you can use this phrase effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no conclusion can be drawn

Replaces "it is impossible" with a more concise "no" and uses passive voice.

it's not possible to ascertain

Substitutes "conclude" with "ascertain" and uses a contraction.

one cannot definitively say

Replaces "it is impossible to conclude" with a more personal and emphatic statement.

a conclusion cannot be reached

Emphasizes the lack of a conclusion using passive voice.

it remains unproven

Focuses on the lack of proof, implying a conclusion is not possible.

there is no basis to conclude

Highlights the absence of evidence supporting a conclusion.

it is not reasonable to infer

Replaces "impossible to conclude" with a statement about the lack of reason for inference.

the evidence does not allow a conclusion

Attributes the impossibility of concluding to the limitations of the available evidence.

it defies conclusion

Uses stronger, more emphatic language to indicate the impossibility of reaching a conclusion.

drawing a conclusion is not feasible

Focuses on the practicality of drawing a conclusion, stating that it is not feasible.

FAQs

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

Use "it is impossible to conclude" to indicate that there is not enough information or evidence to form a definite conclusion. For example, "Based on the limited data, "it is impossible to conclude" whether the treatment is effective".

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

You can use phrases like "no conclusion can be drawn", "it's not possible to ascertain", or "one cannot definitively say" depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate when the available information is so incomplete or contradictory that no firm conclusion can be made. It indicates a stronger level of uncertainty than phrases like "it is difficult to conclude".

What is the difference between "it is impossible to conclude" and "it is difficult to conclude"?

"It is impossible to conclude" suggests that there is absolutely no basis for a conclusion, while "it is difficult to conclude" implies that a conclusion is possible but challenging due to various factors. The former indicates a complete lack of conclusiveness, the latter, a struggle to reach it.