it is impossible to forecast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is impossible to forecast" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the unpredictability of future events or outcomes in various contexts, such as economics, weather, or project planning. Example: "Given the current market volatility, it is impossible to forecast the stock prices for the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It is impossible to forecast this type of incident," he said.

The New York Times

To that, one might add that it is impossible to forecast the cost of future electric vehicles.

The New York Times

Annuities are so complex that it is impossible to forecast precisely how much Ms. Baker will receive from them.

The New York Times

With so many variables in the shipping industry and the competing ports lining the United States' edges, it is impossible to forecast what shippers will do.

The New York Times

Predicting the course of the world's climate is difficult science, and it is impossible to forecast how technology, demographics and politics will shape what the world looks like in 90 years — regardless of the temperature.

Independent

Experts say it is impossible to forecast how events at Japan's stricken nuclear plant will unfold, whether there will be a meltdown or other crisis at one or more of the reactors that results in a large release of radioactivity into the environment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Still, it was impossible to forecast earnings for the year, the company said.

The New York Times

Another delegate, however, said it was impossible to forecast more than four days in advance, and no one had figured out wether it would be cooler or warmer.

The New York Times

I hope I'm wrong, but even Hyman would agree that it's impossible to forecast consumer spending with certainty.

Forbes

To illustrate, let us recall that although it was reasonable to predict that the Tadro3s' notochord stiffness would change during the evolutionary process, it was impossible to forecast the direction of that change.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

UNHCR is planning for arrivals to continue at a similar rate in 2016, but IOM spokesman Joel Millman said it was impossible to forecast future numbers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase when a situation is merely difficult to predict, not entirely impossible. Consider alternatives like 'hard to predict' or 'unlikely to be accurately forecast' in such cases.

Common error

A common mistake is using "it is impossible to forecast" when the situation is only highly uncertain, not absolutely unpredictable. Using stronger alternatives may be misleading and affect your credibility. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where genuine prediction is fundamentally impossible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to forecast" functions as an assertion of unpredictability. Based on the data from Ludwig, this phrase is used to express the idea that a future event or outcome cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. It sets a boundary on what can be known or anticipated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is impossible to forecast" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the inability to predict future events. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase is most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the situation truly involves complete unpredictability, and to provide clear context. Alternatives like "it cannot be predicted" or "the future is unknowable" can be used for variety. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Remember that overstating uncertainty can undermine credibility, so use this phrase judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's simply not predictable

Emphasizes the lack of predictability as a basic characteristic.

forecasting is not feasible

Focuses on the impracticality of making a forecast.

prediction is unattainable

Highlights the impossibility of achieving a prediction.

it cannot be predicted

A more passive way of saying prediction is not possible.

the future is unknowable

Focuses on the inherent uncertainty of the future.

it's beyond the realm of prediction

Indicates that predicting something is outside the scope of what's possible.

it defies prediction

Emphasizes that something resists being predicted.

projecting forward is unachievable

Highlights the inability to project future outcomes.

making projections is not viable

Stresses that creating projections is not a workable option.

the outcome is anyone's guess

Suggests that the result is completely uncertain and open to speculation.

FAQs

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

Use "it is impossible to forecast" when discussing scenarios where prediction is fundamentally unachievable due to inherent uncertainty or a lack of relevant data. For situations that are merely difficult to predict, consider using phrases like "difficult to predict" or "hard to foresee".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it cannot be predicted", "the future is unknowable", or "forecasting is not feasible".

Is "it is impossible to forecast" too strong of a statement for most situations?

While grammatically correct, "it is impossible to forecast" can be a strong statement. Ensure the situation genuinely involves absolute unpredictability before using it. If there is any chance of prediction, consider softer language.

How does "it is impossible to forecast" differ from "it is difficult to forecast"?

"It is impossible to forecast" indicates a complete inability to predict an outcome, whereas "it is difficult to forecast" suggests that prediction is possible but challenging due to various factors. The former implies a fundamental barrier, while the latter implies obstacles that can potentially be overcome.