it would be impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it would be impossible to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to express something that is not possible or feasible. For example, "It would be impossible to count the stars in the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without its records, it would be impossible to maintain transactions grounded in legality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would be impossible to please everyone.

The Guardian - Books

for without them it would be impossible to rule.

Columbia University

It would be impossible to harvest large quantities of discodermolide.

The New York Times - Science

But it would be impossible to argue that matters much.

Independent

It would be impossible to win such a war quickly".

Independent

It would be impossible to imagine them made in 3D.

Independent

It would be impossible to do too much.

The New York Times

It would be impossible to overstate the usefulness of string.

The New Yorker

It would be impossible to conduct business as usual.

Independent

"It would be impossible to amend the Constitution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would be impossible to" to express a strong sense of impossibility, especially when discussing hypothetical or future scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be impossible to" in situations where a task is simply difficult but not truly impossible. Opt for phrases like "it would be very difficult to" or "it would be challenging to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be impossible to" functions as an evaluative expression used to convey a strong sense of impossibility or infeasibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses something that is not possible or feasible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be impossible to" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of impossibility or infeasibility. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. The analysis reveals it's particularly frequent in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". While it's a powerful way to communicate limitations, avoid overusing it in situations that are merely difficult rather than truly impossible. By using the phrase judiciously and considering alternative expressions, you can effectively communicate the infeasibility of certain actions or outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not possible to

Replaces "would be" with "is", indicating a current impossibility.

it cannot be done

Simplifies the structure, focusing on the impossibility of an action.

it is unfeasible to

Uses a more formal term, "unfeasible", to denote impracticality.

it is out of the question to

Emphasizes that something is not even worth considering.

it is simply not an option to

Highlights that something is not a viable choice.

it defies all possibility to

Adds a dramatic tone to emphasize complete impossibility.

it is beyond the realm of possibility to

Stresses that something exceeds what is conceivable.

it is not within the bounds of possibility to

Similar to the above but more formal in tone.

it is a lost cause to

Indicates that any attempt to do something is futile.

it is doomed to fail to

Suggests that something is destined to not succeed.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be impossible to" in a sentence?

Use "it would be impossible to" to express that something is not feasible or achievable, especially in hypothetical situations. For instance, "It would be impossible to predict the future with certainty."

What are some alternatives to "it would be impossible to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not possible to", "it cannot be done", or "it is unfeasible to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it would be impossible to" and "it is impossible to"?

"It would be impossible to" typically refers to a hypothetical or future situation, while "it is impossible to" refers to a present or general impossibility. The choice depends on the intended context.

When is it appropriate to use "it would be impossible to" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to express a strong conviction that something is not achievable or feasible under specific circumstances. Ensure the context warrants such a definitive statement.