always been impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always been impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has consistently been unattainable or unachievable over time. Example: "Despite numerous attempts to solve the problem, it has always been impossible to find a solution that satisfies everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Finding peace and quiet had always been impossible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Leaving Gaza on a plane hasn't always been impossible.

Huffington Post

There have always been impossible loves, because of class, arranged marriages, and other reasons.

Huffington Post

"It's great living by the river but it has always been impossible to get food delivered to our house so we owe Domino's a big thank you for allowing us to have a night in," she said in a release.

Huffington Post

The allure of paradise has always been impossible to resist— the symbolic pina colada, sabal palm tree, and silhouetted aeroplane are almost sacred at this point— but as artist Ralph Kistler notices, this vacation vocabulary has become part of a collective, synthetic vision of paradise.

Vice

The LNT model has always been impossible to prove correct, but it could be proven to be incorrect.

Dose-Response

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As dysfunctional as Congress seems, it won't always be impossible.

The New Yorker

Following through on this threat will always be impossible, so postponing its use, instead of abandoning it, makes little strategic sense.

The New York Times

The DLA is a non-means tested benefit, paid to Paralympians, people in work and those for whom work will always be impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

While I realise that it will always be impossible to satisfy everyone I would hope for their sakes that a line can now be drawn under this matter".

The Guardian

Sure, Davis's fingerprints are visible, with his love of speed evident everywhere, writes Scott Ostler in The San Francisco Chronicle, but it will always be impossible to know how much of the Raiders' recent resurgence dovetailed with Davis's declining health because others were taking more of the reins.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "always been impossible", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe and conditions under which something has been unattainable. Provide specific examples or reasons to strengthen the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "always been impossible" when the situation might change or evolve. Overgeneralizing can weaken your argument if future developments prove the impossibility to be temporary or conditional. Instead, consider phrases that allow for potential change, such as "has historically been difficult" or "remains challenging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always been impossible" functions as an adverbial modifier emphasizing the continuous state of impossibility. It describes a situation or task that has consistently lacked feasibility over a period of time, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always been impossible" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe situations that have consistently been unattainable. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize a continuous state of impossibility, often to discourage further attempts. While generally neutral in register, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. To avoid overgeneralization, consider alternatives like "consistently been unattainable" or "historically been difficult" when the impossibility might be subject to change. Therefore, ensure contextual clarity and precise language for impactful and credible use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently been unattainable

Emphasizes the consistent lack of attainment.

forever been out of reach

Highlights the permanent state of being unattainable.

invariably been unachievable

Focuses on the unvarying nature of being unachievable.

persistently been unfeasible

Stresses the continuous impracticality.

historically been insurmountable

Highlights the historical difficulty in overcoming it.

traditionally been unworkable

Emphasizes the long-standing lack of workability.

unendingly been unrealistic

Focuses on the never-ending nature of being unrealistic.

uniformly been unobtainable

Stresses the consistent lack of obtainability.

perpetually been unviable

Highlights the ongoing lack of viability.

without fail been unattainable

Emphasizes the certainty of being unattainable.

FAQs

How can I use "always been impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "always been impossible" to describe something that has consistently been unattainable, such as "Finding a solution to this problem has "always been impossible" due to the conflicting requirements".

What are some alternatives to "always been impossible"?

Alternatives include "consistently been unattainable", "forever been out of reach", or "invariably been unachievable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "always was impossible" instead of "always been impossible"?

While "always was impossible" might be grammatically understandable, ""always been impossible"" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing in most contexts, particularly in formal writing.

How does "always been impossible" differ from "nearly impossible"?

"Always been impossible" suggests a complete lack of possibility, whereas "nearly impossible" implies that something is extremely difficult but not entirely out of reach. The former leaves no room for potential success, while the latter acknowledges a slim chance.