although it may seem impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although it may seem impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrasting idea or to acknowledge a challenge while suggesting that there is still a possibility of success. Example: "Although it may seem impossible, we can still find a way to achieve our goals if we work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The series saw Malala Yousafzai's first broadcast interview but the final word went to 19-year-old Icelander Sigridur Maria Egilsdottir, who said: "Although it may seem impossible to change outdated rules that stop girls being educated... our world is ruled by little else than thoughts and ideas, and therefore it is within our power to change it".

The Guardian

Although it may seem impossible to keep all clients satisfied, we can achieve a high level of satisfaction by working on related indicators and trying to improve them [2].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

She said: "Although it may seem impossible to change outdated rules that stop girls being educated... our world is ruled by little else than thoughts and ideas, and therefore it is within our power to change it".

BBC

Although it may seem impossible to make the masterpieces of art history more captivating than they already are, this is precisely the mission of artist Jake Hollomon with Kinetic Spirits, a series of works on view on Instagram through onegrandgallery.

Vice

although it may seem impossible, injury has been proven plausible.

WikiHow

Although it may seem impossible, there are brands that carry sweet and innocent undergarments and nightwear.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Its waning has been so gradual that it may seem impossible to pin down in time.

The Economist

Therefore, it may seem impossible for God to be causally responsible for his nature.

SEP

It may seem impossible to build someone's cheeks, nose, and eyebrows from a piece of bone.

BBC

It may seem impossible but you have to try.

Huffington Post

And while it may seem impossible, the earlier experiment sounds like it was even more awful.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "although it may seem impossible" to introduce a hopeful or determined tone after acknowledging a significant challenge. For instance, "Although it may seem impossible, consistent effort will eventually yield results."

Common error

Avoid using "although it may seem impossible" in situations where the difficulty is self-evident or minor. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. For instance, refrain from saying "Although it may seem impossible, I will try to tie my shoelaces."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although it may seem impossible" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It introduces a clause that acknowledges the apparent difficulty or unlikelihood of something, setting up a contrast or highlighting a potential for success despite the odds. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "although it may seem impossible" is a grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to introduce a sense of hope or determination in the face of apparent difficulty. While commonly found in news and media, it can also appear in wiki articles and scientific writing. According to Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules. Keep in mind there are good alternatives for every writing context (e.g. "even if it looks unachievable"). It’s key to use the expression intentionally to avoid sounding melodramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even if it looks unachievable

Changes the focus to the visual perception of being unachievable.

though it might appear insurmountable

Replaces "seem impossible" with "appear insurmountable" for a more formal tone.

in spite of its apparent impossibility

Nominalizes the impossibility, emphasizing the contrast.

regardless of how unattainable it appears

Focuses on the perceived unattainability of something.

even if it gives the impression of being undoable

Uses "undoable" to convey impossibility in a more informal way.

notwithstanding its seeming hopelessness

Emphasizes the lack of hope associated with the situation.

although the odds appear stacked against it

Expresses the idea through the metaphor of stacked odds.

even though it presents itself as unviable

Replaces "impossible" with "unviable," suggesting impracticality.

despite its perceived lack of feasibility

Highlights the perceived lack of practical possibility.

though on the surface it suggests no chance of success

Focuses on the initial impression of having no chance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "although it may seem impossible"?

Alternatives include "even if it looks unachievable", "though it might appear insurmountable", or "regardless of how unattainable it appears". See more options "here", "here" and "here".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "although it may seem impossible"?

Use this phrase to introduce a contrasting idea or hopeful perspective after acknowledging a significant challenge or obstacle. It sets the stage for demonstrating perseverance or an alternative solution.

Is "although it may seem impossible" too cliché?

While common, the phrase isn't inherently cliché. Its effectiveness depends on the context. Overuse or application in trivial situations can diminish its impact. Be mindful of the situation when using it. The examples on Ludwig prove its effectiveness in context.

Can I use "though it seems impossible" instead of "although it may seem impossible"?

Yes, "though it seems impossible" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative. "Though" and "although" are often interchangeable, and the slight difference in verb tense doesn't significantly alter the meaning.