achieve the impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'achieve the impossible' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about accomplishing something that may seem unachievable or too difficult for the average person. For example: "They said it couldn't be done, but she was determined to achieve the impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They, like Holmes, cannot achieve the impossible.

The Washington Post

You learn, slowly, until you're able to achieve the impossible.

The Guardian - Tech

I think they are expected to achieve the impossible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I have always believed that people can achieve the impossible".

The New York Times - Sports

Seth Raphael is doing what he loves: helping others achieve the impossible and blowing their minds.

Stanford University

Can Leigh achieve the impossible and make G&S acceptable in liberal and lefty circles?

The Guardian

"South Africans can achieve the impossible when we put our minds to it".

The Guardian

Thirdly, because the judges do not seek to achieve the impossible.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ethan Hawke, intro-ing Linklater, cited Manohla Dargis:‎ "Linklater  seems to achieve the impossible--he makes Ethan Hawke bearable," the kind of sharply funny quip that one doesn't quite foresee at the Oscars.

Los Angeles Times

The Suffragettes achieved the impossible.

Independent

"We've achieved the impossible," said Mostyn.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, provide context to illustrate the specific challenges and the magnitude of the accomplishment to emphasize its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "achieve the impossible" in situations where the goal is merely difficult, not truly impossible. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "achieve the impossible" functions as a verb phrase, where "achieve" is the verb and "the impossible" is the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "achieve the impossible" is a grammatically sound and widely recognized expression used to convey the idea of accomplishing something that seems highly improbable or unattainable. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to motivational speeches. The phrase's effectiveness hinges on its appropriate application, reserving it for situations where the accomplishment genuinely defies expectations and showcasing context to enhance its impact. While alternatives such as "accomplish the impossible" or "defy all odds" exist, the core message remains consistent: the realization of something previously deemed out of reach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve the unachievable

Replaces 'impossible' with a synonym, 'unachievable', keeping the structure identical.

accomplish the impossible

Uses "accomplish" instead of "achieve", suggesting a successful completion of the impossible task.

attain the impossible

Substitutes 'achieve' with 'attain', offering a slightly more formal tone.

reach the impossible

Replaces "achieve" with "reach", implying a journey or progression towards the impossible goal.

make the impossible a reality

This alternative turns the impossible into something tangible ('a reality'), suggesting a transformation.

surmount all obstacles

Emphasizes overcoming challenges, suggesting a determined effort against adversity.

defy all odds

Focuses on overcoming obstacles rather than directly achieving the impossible.

rise above limitations

Highlights transcending restrictions or boundaries to achieve a goal.

break the mold

Suggests surpassing conventional limitations, implying achieving something beyond normal expectations.

turn dreams into reality

Emphasizes realizing ambitious aspirations that may initially seem unattainable.

FAQs

How can I use "achieve the impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "achieve the impossible" to describe overcoming significant challenges or accomplishing something that seems unattainable. For example, "Despite the overwhelming odds, the team managed to "achieve the impossible" and win the championship".

What are some alternatives to "achieve the impossible"?

Alternatives include "accomplish the impossible", "attain the impossible", or "defy all odds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "achieve the impossible"?

It's appropriate when describing accomplishments that require extraordinary effort, skill, or luck and defy conventional expectations. Ensure the context supports the claim that the achievement was, in fact, nearly impossible.

Is "achieve the impossible" an overused phrase?

While not inherently overused, "achieve the impossible" can lose its impact if applied too frequently or in contexts that don't genuinely warrant it. Consider using alternative phrases or providing specific details to support the claim.