it is impossible to overstate

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "It is impossible to overstate" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing something that is particularly significant or meaningful. For example, "It is impossible to overstate the importance of a good night's sleep in maintaining optimal health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is impossible to overstate" its impact, saays Westergren.

TechCrunch

It is impossible to overstate the importance of Garnett.

The New York Times - Sports

It is impossible to overstate how serious this was.

The New York Times

It is impossible to overstate how much the Cowboys' "America's Team" moniker drives people crazy here.

The New York Times - Sports

It is impossible to overstate the task faced by whoever wins the leadership in September.

The Guardian

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the gallery as a public institution.

The Guardian

It is impossible to overstate just how famous Margaret Atwood is in Canada.

The Guardian - Books

It is impossible to overstate how much this will matter at the bargaining table.

The New York Times

It is impossible to overstate the callousness of the state regulation and the harm it will inflict.

The New York Times

It is impossible to overstate the seriousness with which the police take any attempt to harm one of their own.

The New York Times

It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Tata Steel announcement, on both local and national levels.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is impossible to overstate" when you want to emphasize the exceptional importance or impact of something, ensuring your audience fully grasps its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "it is impossible to overstate" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with synonyms or alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is impossible to overstate" serves as an emphatic intensifier, highlighting the extreme importance or significance of the subject it modifies. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is impossible to overstate" is a powerful phrase used to emphasize the exceptional importance or impact of something. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. It's most commonly found in news and media, indicating its utility in conveying significance across diverse subjects. While highly effective, it's essential to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. Related phrases such as "it cannot be overstated" or "the importance is undeniable" can offer variety. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively leverage this phrase to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it cannot be overstated

Replaces "is impossible" with "cannot be", maintaining the original meaning.

it's crucial to recognize

Shifts from impossibility to necessity, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging something.

it's vital to understand

Focuses on the essential nature of comprehending a particular concept or situation.

it's paramount to appreciate

Highlights the supreme importance of valuing a certain aspect or quality.

the significance is immense

Directly states the magnitude of importance, avoiding the negative construction.

the importance is undeniable

Asserts that the importance is clear and cannot be refuted.

it is of utmost importance

Uses a more formal tone to underscore the critical nature of something.

its impact is immeasurable

Emphasizes the scale of the effect, suggesting it's too great to be quantified.

words cannot express its magnitude

Indicates that the scale or importance is beyond description.

it is difficult to fully appreciate

Acknowledges that complete understanding may be challenging due to the subject's complexity.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to emphasize the magnitude or importance of something. For example, "It is impossible to overstate the value of education in shaping a child's future".

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

You can use alternatives like "it cannot be overstated", "the importance is undeniable", or "the significance is immense" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference in formality between "it is impossible to overstate" and its alternatives?

"It is impossible to overstate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, phrases like "it is of utmost importance" might be preferred in more formal settings, while alternatives such as "it's crucial to recognize" can suit less formal situations.

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

Use this phrase when you believe that the significance of something cannot be exaggerated or fully expressed in words. It is particularly effective when highlighting the profound impact or critical nature of a subject.