it is impossible to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is impossible to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something cannot be adequately described or clarified. Example: "The complexity of the situation is such that it is impossible to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it firsthand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Without that, it is impossible to explain José Luis Nuñez being president between 1978 and 2000.

The Guardian - Sport

"The whole piece is about how it is impossible to explain your deepest wish or desire," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The film makes no effort to reconcile the Kennedys' mind-set with that of the American public, possibly because it is impossible to explain to outsiders.

The New York Times - Arts

It is impossible to explain that the narrator is certain that he has contracted malaria, because it is bad luck to name the disease.

Independent

Since it is impossible to explain to pets why they are suffering, owners are often reluctant to pursue treatments with debilitating side effects.

The New York Times - Science

It is impossible to explain why that is so funny; their sheer irreverence, exuberance and verbal comic genius are marvellous: a heavenly double-bill.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"It's impossible to explain, but it's amazing.

The Guardian - Film

"I couldn't write a book proposal," Mukherjee explains, "because it was impossible to explain.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes it's impossible to explain why a particular item was left behind.

The New York Times

It's impossible to explain what eight years of heightened, constant stress does to you.

Independent

It's impossible to explain what I mean when I say that, of course.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider if providing some context, even without a full explanation, can still be helpful to your audience, even when you feel that it is "impossible to explain" something fully.

Common error

Avoid using "it is impossible to explain" as a shortcut to avoid deeper analysis or providing any explanation at all. If possible, attempt to provide some context or insight, even if a complete explanation is not feasible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to explain" functions as a declarative statement expressing the inability to provide a clear or complete explanation for something. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is impossible to explain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the inability to adequately describe something due to its complexity or abstract nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider providing some context or partial explanation whenever feasible. Alternative phrases such as "it's beyond explanation" or "it's unexplainable" can offer nuanced ways to convey the same message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's beyond explanation

Emphasizes that something cannot be explained, highlighting its inexplicable nature.

it's unexplainable

Highlights the lack of any possible explanation.

it's inexplicable

Highlights the mysterious and unexplainable nature of something.

it defies explanation

Suggests resistance to being explained, implying complexity or mystery.

it cannot be explained

States directly that explanation is not possible.

it eludes explanation

Emphasizes that something escapes the attempt to provide an explanation

there's no explaining it

Informal way of saying something is inexplicable.

words cannot describe it

Focuses on the inadequacy of language to convey the concept.

it's hard to put into words

Highlights the difficulty in articulating something.

it is difficult to explain

Implies a high level of complexity in providing an explanation.

FAQs

What does "it is impossible to explain" mean?

The phrase "it is impossible to explain" means that something is so complex, abstract, or subjective that it cannot be adequately described or clarified using words or reasoning.

When should I use the phrase "it is impossible to explain"?

Use "it is impossible to explain" when you want to emphasize the profound difficulty or complete inability to convey the nature of something, often due to its complexity or emotional depth.

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

You can use alternatives like "it's beyond explanation", "it's unexplainable", or "it defies explanation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is impossible to explain" an overused phrase?

While grammatically correct and widely used, "it is impossible to explain" can sometimes be seen as a cliché. Consider providing some context or partial explanation to add more value, or using alternative phrasing for a fresh approach.