it was impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was impossible to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something could not be done or achieved in a particular situation. Example: "Despite our best efforts, it was impossible to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was impossible to vacuum".

The New Yorker

It was impossible to say.

The New Yorker

It was impossible to disagree.

The New York Times

It was impossible to sleep.

The New Yorker

"It was impossible to sell that".

The Economist

"It was impossible to open the doors.

Independent

It was impossible to corroborate that assertion.

The New York Times

It was impossible to help them.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It is impossible to forget".

The New York Times

It is impossible to know.

The New York Times

It's impossible to predict.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was impossible to", ensure the context clearly explains why the action was not possible. Providing specific reasons strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it was impossible to" when the action was merely difficult or inconvenient. Reserve this phrase for situations where there was genuinely no feasible way to achieve the desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was impossible to" functions as an evaluative statement indicating a complete lack of feasibility or ability to perform a specific action. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts, highlighting its role in conveying insurmountable obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was impossible to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something could not be done. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure the impossibility is genuine and provide context to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "it proved unfeasible to" for a more formal tone or "there was no way to" for a more informal one. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively communicate the lack of feasibility in your writing. Always remember: using the phrase correctly can greatly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. Ludwig can help you in finding the best usage scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unachievable to

This focuses on the lack of possibility of reaching a certain goal or completing a task.

it was unattainable to

Similar to "unachievable", this highlights the impossibility of reaching a desired outcome.

it was not feasible to

This phrase uses "feasible" instead of "impossible", softening the tone while conveying a similar meaning.

it was beyond the realm of possibility to

This is a more emphatic and dramatic way to express impossibility.

it proved unfeasible to

This alternative uses more formal language, emphasizing the impracticality of the action.

it was beyond reach to

This conveys that something was outside the ability or capacity to obtain or achieve.

it was simply not an option to

This emphasizes that the action was not a viable choice.

it was out of the question to

This alternative indicates that the action was not even considered as a possibility.

there was no way to

This is another informal way to indicate that something was not possible.

it couldn't be done to

This is a more informal way of expressing impossibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was impossible to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it proved unfeasible to", "it was not feasible to", or "there was no way to", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is "it was impossible to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was impossible to" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in standard English. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage.

When should I use "it was impossible to" instead of "it was difficult to"?

"It was impossible to" should be used when an action was truly unachievable, while "it was difficult to" is more appropriate when an action was challenging but still potentially achievable. The key difference lies in the absolute lack of feasibility.

What does it mean when something is described as "impossible to"?

When something is described as "impossible to", it means that there were no means or conditions available that would have allowed it to be done. It suggests a complete lack of feasibility, not just difficulty.