it is impossible to guess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is impossible to guess" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something cannot be predicted or determined. Example: "Given the lack of information, it is impossible to guess what the outcome will be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It is impossible to guess where the prizes will go.

The Guardian - Film

And it is impossible to guess which model will be most fruitful.

The Economist

It is impossible to guess which minute detail will make the difference this time.

The New York Times - Sports

But, of course, it is impossible to guess what shadings of interpretation he might have emphasized had the production been staged in his lifetime under his supervision.

The New York Times - Arts

It is impossible to guess Tracie Martyn's age; she is a luminous faerie person with shimmering blue eyes who could be the hot trophy wife of Bilbo Baggins.

The New York Times

It is impossible to guess the age of this person, tumbled into the massive armchair beside the sofa, because of her size.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It was impossible to guess who might win.

The Guardian - Sport

It was impossible to guess what he would do next".

The New York Times - Books

Patricia was reserved, & it was impossible to guess how she felt about Martin.

The New Yorker

"It's impossible to guess from a shop what a rug might look like at home".

Independent

It was impossible to guess how much was obsession and how much was put-on.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is impossible to guess", ensure the context clearly establishes what cannot be predicted. For instance, specify the subject or outcome that defies prediction to provide clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it is impossible to guess" as a filler phrase without providing specific context or reason. Always ensure the sentence communicates a genuine lack of predictability rather than vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to guess" functions as an expression of epistemic uncertainty, indicating that a prediction or determination is not feasible based on available information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and well-established.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is impossible to guess" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a lack of predictability. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. While versatile, ensure the context is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "it's anybody's guess" or "it's unpredictable" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's uncertain

Indicates a lack of certainty or definiteness about the future.

it's unpredictable

Highlights the lack of predictability, suggesting that the outcome is erratic and changeable.

there's no telling

Implies that there's no way to know or determine something.

it's anybody's guess

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of predictability, implying that anyone's guess is as good as another's.

it's beyond prediction

Highlights the fact that the outcome is not predictable based on current information.

it's difficult to anticipate

Emphasizes the challenge in expecting or predicting a particular event or outcome.

it's not possible to foresee

Focuses on the inability to see or know what will happen in the future.

it defies anticipation

Stresses that the outcome is something that cannot be anticipated or expected.

it is hard to know

Highlights the difficulty in knowing something, suggesting that information is scarce or complex.

the future is opaque

Uses a metaphor to indicate that the future is unclear and impossible to see through.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is impossible to guess" in a sentence?

Alternatives include "it's unpredictable", "it is uncertain", or "it is anybody's guess", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Use it when you genuinely cannot predict an outcome based on available information. For example, "it is impossible to predict the long-term effects of the policy".

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

It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider alternatives like "the outcome is unforeseeable".

What's the difference between "it is impossible to guess" and "it is difficult to guess"?

"It is impossible to guess" implies a complete inability to predict, while "it is difficult to guess" suggests prediction is challenging but not entirely impossible.