it is impossible to discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is impossible to discern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something cannot be understood, detected, or distinguished. Example: "In the dim light, it is impossible to discern the details of the painting on the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It is impossible to discern a library's role in its owner's inner life purely by examining the collection.

The New Yorker

And if she has made an attempt to escape Madonna's shadow it is impossible to discern.

The New Yorker

It is impossible to discern any principle behind which pays what.

The Economist

However without documenting the rates of bullying in academic contexts over time it is impossible to discern whether the problem is getting worse.

The Guardian

It also means it is impossible to discern the effect of the tougher regime on the falling number of jobseeker's allowance (JSA) claimants.

The Guardian

"It is impossible to discern from the videos what, if anything, Mr. Scott is holding in his hands," they said in a statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It was impossible to discern fully the motives of Blatter and his colleagues.

The New York Times - Sports

The shapes appeared and disappeared so quickly that it was impossible to discern that some of them were actually repeated.

The New York Times

"It's impossible to discern the mind of each of the 238,000 people who voted for 'uncommitted,'" Mr. Ickes said.

The New York Times

"I think it's impossible to discern which companies are reputable and which are reprehensible," said Kathy Hudson, director of the genetics and public policy center at Johns Hopkins University.

The New York Times

He said that the national divide tended to be generational, with older citizens more closely aligned with the church, but that it was impossible to discern distinct boundaries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is impossible to discern" when you want to emphasize a complete inability to understand or distinguish something, often due to lack of information or clarity. For a more subtle or uncertain lack of understanding, consider "it is difficult to discern".

Common error

While "it is impossible to discern" is correct, overuse can make your writing sound overly dramatic. Consider using softer alternatives like "difficult to discern" or "hard to tell" when complete certainty isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to discern" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying the speaker's judgment on the infeasibility of distinguishing or understanding something. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase is often used when objective clarity is lacking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is impossible to discern" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a complete inability to understand or distinguish something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. Although "it is impossible to discern" is a valid and precise expression, remember not to overuse the word "impossible", and consider using alternative options like "difficult to discern" when complete certainty is not necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is impossible to differentiate

Replaces "discern" with the synonym "differentiate", focusing on the lack of distinction between two or more things.

it is impossible to distinguish

Similar to 'differentiate' but specifically emphasizes not being able to tell the difference.

it is impossible to gauge

Substitutes "discern" with "gauge", indicating the impossibility of measuring or estimating something.

it is impossible to ascertain

Uses "ascertain" instead of "discern", highlighting the inability to find something out for certain.

it is impossible to determine

Replaces "discern" with "determine", emphasizing the lack of ability to firmly establish or decide something.

it is impossible to identify

Substitutes "discern" with "identify", focusing on the inability to recognize or establish what something is.

it is impossible to tell

Simpler phrasing, replacing "discern" with "tell", still expressing an inability to know or understand.

it is not possible to make out

Uses the phrasal verb "make out" to replace "discern", suggesting an inability to perceive something clearly.

it is beyond comprehension

Shifts the focus to the inherent incomprehensibility of something, rather than a failure of discernment.

it is unclear

Simplifies the phrase to express the lack of clarity or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is impossible to discern" to indicate a complete inability to understand, detect, or distinguish something. For example, "In the dim light, "it is impossible to discern" the details of the painting."

What can I say instead of "it is impossible to discern"?

Alternatives include "it is impossible to differentiate", "it is impossible to gauge", or "it is difficult to discern", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "it is impossible to discern" or "it is not possible to discern"?

Both "it is impossible to discern" and "it is not possible to discern" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The former is often seen as slightly stronger and more emphatic.

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

"It is impossible to discern" indicates a complete inability to understand or distinguish something. "It is difficult to discern" suggests that understanding is possible but requires significant effort or is uncertain.