it would be inconceivable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be inconceivable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is unimaginable or difficult to comprehend in a given context. Example: "In a world where technology governs our lives, it would be inconceivable to think that we could return to a simpler time without it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Ryckmans returned with a firm view that "it would be inconceivable to live in this world, in our age, without a good knowledge of Chinese language and a direct access to Chinese culture".

Independent

It would be inconceivable to write this way if the situation were reversed.

The Guardian

It would be inconceivable to treat wildflowers in the same way.

The Guardian

Hague said it would be "inconceivable" to continue to allow Scottish MPs to vote on English matters.

The Guardian

The feeling's mutual, says Richard Di Natale: "My own view is that it would be inconceivable to support this government".

The Guardian

I'm not talking about the mysterious miasma, about which it would be inconceivable to care less, but the hidden voice of the script writers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It would be inconceivable for them to downgrade growth to well below trend levels while also suggesting that interest rates did not need to be cut.

The Guardian - Business

In other words, the databases could provide CVZ staff with clinical data they otherwise would have no access to, as it would be inconceivable for CVZ staff to ask hospitals directly to open their medical archives in order to check the use of pharmaceuticals.

BMC Health Services Research

"It would be inconceivable," said Schoenberg, "to attack the heroes who make daring flights over the ocean or to the North Pole, for their achievement is obvious to everyone.

BBC

Cameron had previously said no UK government would give that again so soon, but Sturgeon said on Friday it would be inconceivable for Westminster to ignore a democratic vote by MSPs requesting that authority.

The Guardian

It would be inconceivable, for example, to have a true sage indulging in gossip or slander.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "it would be inconceivable to" to emphasize that an action or situation is so unlikely or unacceptable that it's difficult to imagine. This phrase adds a strong sense of incredulity or impossibility to your writing.

Common error

While "it would be inconceivable to" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "unimaginable" or "hard to believe" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be inconceivable to" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a strong sense of disbelief or impossibility. It sets up a hypothetical scenario that is deemed highly unlikely or morally unacceptable. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be inconceivable to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a strong sense of disbelief or impossibility. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, and as Ludwig AI indicates, it effectively dissuades potential actions. Consider alternative phrases like "it is unimaginable to" in more casual settings to maintain a natural tone. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, emphasizing its role in expressing strong opinions or highlighting unlikely scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unimaginable to

Replaces "would be" with "is", resulting in a more direct statement of impossibility.

it is unthinkable to

Substitutes "inconceivable" with "unthinkable", emphasizing the impossibility from a moral or ethical standpoint.

it is beyond comprehension to

Replaces "inconceivable" with "beyond comprehension", focusing on the difficulty of understanding something.

it is not possible to

Offers a more straightforward alternative, highlighting the lack of feasibility.

it defies belief to

Uses "defies belief" to underscore the incredulous nature of something.

it is absurd to

Emphasizes the irrationality of something, differing slightly from simple impossibility.

it is preposterous to

Conveys a sense of utter ridiculousness, a stronger sentiment than merely inconceivable.

it beggars belief to

Highlights the extreme difficulty of believing something, even compared to "inconceivable".

it is out of the question to

Suggests a firm prohibition or impossibility, often implying a lack of permission.

it is far-fetched to

Highlights something as unlikely or unrealistic, implying a lack of connection to reality.

FAQs

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

Use "it would be inconceivable to" to express disbelief or strong disapproval of a hypothetical situation. For example, "It would be inconceivable to ignore the environmental consequences of this project".

What can I say instead of "it would be inconceivable to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unimaginable to", "it is unthinkable to", or "it is beyond comprehension to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it would be inconceivable to" or "it is inconceivable to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "It would be inconceivable to" is used for hypothetical or conditional situations, while "it is inconceivable to" is used for general statements. For example, "It would be inconceivable to abandon our principles now", versus, "It is inconceivable to me that anyone could support such a policy".

What's the difference between "it would be inconceivable to" and "it would be impossible to"?

While both suggest something is very unlikely, "it would be inconceivable to" carries a stronger emotional weight, implying disbelief or moral objection. "It would be impossible to" simply indicates a lack of feasibility. Consider replacing it by "it is not possible to" if the intention is to remove all emphasis of disbelief.