it is inconceivable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is inconceivable that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to express disbelief or impossibility. Example: It is inconceivable that she would willingly jeopardize her career by speaking out against her boss.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Independent

Sometimes it is inconceivable that I should be the.

The New Yorker

"It is inconceivable that this would happen now".

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

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

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

The New York Times

"I hope that you all realize it is inconceivable that I knew," she said.

The New York Times

Never mind that it is inconceivable that we would ever face such a threat alone.

Independent

It is inconceivable that a journalist visiting the blog could mistake them for ordinary blog posts.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is inconceivable that any democratic society would have voted for that package.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is inconceivable that" to express a strong sense of disbelief or impossibility, particularly when addressing unexpected or shocking situations.

Common error

Avoid using "it is inconceivable that" to overstate your point when a more moderate expression of doubt or surprise would be more appropriate and convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is inconceivable that" functions as a subject complement, expressing a strong assertion about the unlikelihood or impossibility of a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is inconceivable that" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey a strong sense of disbelief or impossibility. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse. Its frequency in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its reliability. When using the phrase, remember to avoid overstatement and consider alternatives like "it is unimaginable that" or "it is unbelievable that" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unimaginable that

Replaces 'inconceivable' with 'unimaginable', suggesting something difficult to envision or comprehend.

it is unbelievable that

Substitutes 'inconceivable' with 'unbelievable', emphasizing the lack of credibility or plausibility.

it is beyond comprehension that

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding or grasping the situation.

it defies belief that

This phrase uses stronger language, suggesting that the situation is so extraordinary it's hard to accept.

it is unthinkable that

Replaces 'inconceivable' with 'unthinkable', suggesting something that should not or cannot be considered.

it is preposterous that

Indicates that something is absurd or ridiculous.

it is out of the question that

This phrase implies that something is not allowed or possible.

it is absurd that

Directly states that something is illogical or unreasonable.

it is far-fetched that

Suggests something is unlikely or improbable.

it is a stretch to believe that

Indicates that believing something requires a significant leap of faith or imagination.

FAQs

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

Use "it is inconceivable that" to express strong disbelief or the perceived impossibility of a situation. For example, "It is inconceivable that he would betray his friends after all they've been through together."

What are some alternatives to "it is inconceivable that"?

Alternatives include "it is unimaginable that", "it is unbelievable that", or "it defies belief that". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is inconceivable that" or "it is hard to believe that"?

"It is inconceivable that" expresses a stronger sense of disbelief or impossibility compared to "it is hard to believe that". The choice depends on the degree of surprise or disbelief you want to convey. If you need something less strong, you can also go for "it is difficult to believe that".

Can "it is inconceivable that" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "it is inconceivable that" can be used in formal writing to express a strong sense of disbelief or impossibility. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece.