it is inconceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is inconceivable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is unimaginable or difficult to believe. Example: "The idea that he would betray his closest friends is simply inconceivable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is inconceivable.

The New York Times - Health

It is inconceivable, or was.

The New York Times

It is inconceivable that Britain wouldn't face a case.

Independent

Sometimes it is inconceivable that I should be the.

The New Yorker

Being pregnant, every step of it is inconceivable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It is inconceivable that this would happen now".

The New York Times

It is inconceivable McIlroy will not surpass those greats.

The Guardian - Sport

It is inconceivable that Britain won't extradite Ramda".

The Guardian

For many Arabs, it is inconceivable that U.S. citizens are not under the same controls.

The New York Times

It is inconceivable that politicians would allow either program to run out of money.

The New York Times - Health

It is inconceivable that such a thing could be said today.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is inconceivable" to express a strong sense of disbelief or impossibility, particularly when emphasizing the unlikelihood of a specific event or situation. For example, "It is inconceivable that he would betray his closest allies."

Common error

While "it is inconceivable" is a valid phrase, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "unbelievable" or "impossible" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is inconceivable" functions as an expressive assertion of disbelief or impossibility. Drawing from Ludwig's examples, the phrase introduces subjective judgments of scenarios that are hard to accept or imagine. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is inconceivable" serves as a powerful declaration of disbelief or impossibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for written English, particularly in news, media, and formal contexts. While very common, its somewhat formal tone might make simpler alternatives better suited for casual conversation. The variety of examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its consistent usage across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its reliability as an expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unimaginable

Replaces "inconceivable" with "unimaginable", focusing on the difficulty to imagine something.

it's unthinkable

Substitutes "inconceivable" with "unthinkable", emphasizing the idea is beyond consideration.

it's beyond belief

Highlights the aspect of disbelief, suggesting something is hard to accept as true.

it's out of the question

Indicates something is not allowed or possible, expressing a stronger sense of impossibility.

it's not possible

States a direct impossibility, removing the nuance of disbelief.

it defies comprehension

Focuses on the inability to understand or grasp something.

it's a far cry

Suggests a significant difference or distance from a certain expectation.

it's a pipe dream

Implies something is an unrealistic or fanciful hope.

it's a non-starter

Indicates something has no chance of success or acceptance from the beginning.

it's preposterous

Highlights the absurdity and ridiculousness of an idea.

FAQs

How can I use "it is inconceivable" in a sentence?

Use "it is inconceivable" to express that something is impossible to believe or imagine. For example: "It is inconceivable that he would do that."

What's a more formal way to say "it is inconceivable"?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "it is unimaginable" or "it defies comprehension" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Are there simpler alternatives to "it is inconceivable"?

Yes, in casual contexts, you can use phrases like "it is unbelievable", "it is impossible", or "I can't believe it".

What is the difference between "it is inconceivable" and "it is unlikely"?

"It is inconceivable" suggests a stronger degree of impossibility or disbelief than "it is unlikely". While "it is unlikely" means something probably won't happen, "it is inconceivable" implies it's almost impossible to imagine it happening at all.