Nearly impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Nearly impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is extremely difficult to achieve, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Example: "Completing the project in just one week is nearly impossible given the amount of work that needs to be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nearly impossible".

Forbes

It's nearly impossible.

The New York Times

Escape was nearly impossible.

The New York Times

Now it's nearly impossible".

The New York Times

It's a nearly impossible standard.

The New York Times - Magazine

That would be nearly impossible.

Independent

In fact, it's nearly impossible.

The New York Times

It is nearly impossible.

The New York Times - Health

Because it's nearly impossible".

The Guardian - Travel

"Now, it's nearly impossible".

The New York Times - Arts

Travel is nearly impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "nearly impossible". It often implies a degree of frustration or resignation, so ensure this tone aligns with your intended message.

Common error

While "nearly impossible" emphasizes difficulty, avoid using it for trivial inconveniences. Overusing it weakens its impact and can make your writing seem exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly impossible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the degree of difficulty or unlikelihood associated with it. As seen in Ludwig, it is often used to express that something is extremely challenging but not completely out of reach. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nearly impossible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a high degree of difficulty or improbability. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across various contexts. It functions as an adjective phrase and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse types of writing. While conveying a challenge, remember that "nearly impossible" still acknowledges a slim chance of success. Its wide presence across reputable sources, as shown in Ludwig's examples, underscores its reliability and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually unachievable

Emphasizes the practical aspect of not being able to reach a goal.

almost unattainable

Highlights the difficulty in reaching a desired outcome.

borderline infeasible

Implies that something is at the edge of being not workable.

extremely improbable

Focuses on the low probability of something happening.

highly unlikely

Indicates a low chance of occurrence.

next to unworkable

Emphasizes the difficulty in putting something into practice.

practically insurmountable

Suggests that the obstacles are hard to overcome.

approaching unfeasible

Implies nearing a state where something cannot be done.

scarcely feasible

Shows something is only just achievable.

close to undoable

Informal way of expressing something cannot be done.

FAQs

What does "nearly impossible" mean?

The phrase "nearly impossible" describes something that is extremely difficult to achieve, but not entirely out of the question. It implies a very low probability of success.

How can I use "nearly impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "nearly impossible" to describe a task, goal, or situation. For example: "Completing the project by the deadline is "nearly impossible" given the limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "nearly impossible"?

Alternatives to "nearly impossible" include "virtually impossible", "almost unattainable", or "highly unlikely", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "nearly impossible" and "impossible"?

Yes, "nearly impossible" suggests a very small chance of success, while "impossible" indicates that something cannot be done under any circumstances. "Nearly impossible" leaves room for some hope, however slim.