which is impossible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is impossible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something cannot be done or achieved. Example: "The task requires resources that are currently unavailable, which is impossible to overcome without additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's certainly a figure which is impossible to forget".

The Guardian

This book, which is impossible to adapt, it turns out is impossible to adapt".

The Economist

One of them rhymes "Sambuca" with "rebuke her", which is impossible to dislike.

The Guardian

There is also the T2 teamaker, which is impossible to say three times quickly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A MacArthur Fellowship, which is impossible to apply for, is one of the nation's most prestigious awards.

Columbia University

Emotional and social intelligence are however highly desired set of skills which is impossible to develop without interacting with others.

Procedia Computer Science

The humorist S. J. Perelman found the brothers to be "megalomaniacs to a degree which is impossible to describe".

The New Yorker

"They made her an icon, which is impossible to live up to," the novelist Alejandro Zambra told me.

The New York Times - Magazine

On May 2, we have a glorious spectacle which is impossible to ignore, but I can't guarantee a great fight.

Independent

"Comic spirit is something which is impossible to define, but you know it when you see it.

The Guardian - Books

There's even a name for this enlightened state in German, which is impossible to translate into English: Imkaltenkellernebenmuffigenkoffernwehfreude.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which is impossible to", ensure the clause clearly relates to a specific and defined subject in the sentence to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of 'solving the problem, which is impossible to', specify 'solving this specific problem, which is impossible to, due to the lack of data' to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "which is impossible to" for tasks that are merely difficult or challenging. Reserve it for situations where success is genuinely unattainable, to maintain impact and credibility. Consider alternatives like "difficult to" or "challenging to" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is impossible to" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or noun phrase. It introduces information specifying something that cannot be achieved. Ludwig's examples show usage in describing unattainable goals, unmeasurable quantities, or unchangeable situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is impossible to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause to describe something unattainable. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to reserve it for genuine impossibilities, avoiding overuse in situations that are merely difficult. Considering related phrases like "that cannot be done" and being mindful of the specific context will ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that cannot be done

Uses a more direct and simpler phrasing to express impossibility.

that cannot be achieved

Focuses on the lack of attainability, differing from pure impossibility.

that is simply not feasible

Emphasizes the impracticality of something rather than absolute impossibility.

that is simply unattainable

Stresses the inability to reach or achieve something.

that is beyond the realm of possibility

Highlights the extreme unlikelihood or impossibility from a broader perspective.

that is out of the question

Indicates a firm refusal or impossibility due to unacceptability.

which is out of reach

Implies that something is impossible to obtain due to being too difficult or distant.

that is beyond one's capabilities

Focuses on the lack of ability or skill to achieve something.

which is unachievable under the circumstances

Highlights the impossibility due to specific current conditions.

that defies all attempts

Stresses the futility of trying to accomplish something due to its inherent difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "which is impossible to" in a sentence?

Use "which is impossible to" to add a clause that describes something unattainable or unachievable. For example, "Reversing the damage, "which is impossible to", requires advanced technology".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "which is impossible to"?

You can use alternatives like "that cannot be done", "that is simply not feasible", or "that cannot be achieved" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "that is impossible to" rather than "which is impossible to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "which is impossible to" is generally used when adding a non-restrictive clause providing additional information. "That is impossible to" is used for essential, restrictive clauses. The best choice depends on the specific sentence structure and context.

What's the difference between "which is difficult to" and "which is impossible to"?

"Which is difficult to" indicates a challenge or obstacle, but implies the possibility of success with effort. "Which is impossible to" denotes a situation where success is fundamentally unattainable, regardless of effort. The choice depends on the degree of attainability.