attempting the impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting the impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing efforts to achieve something that seems unachievable or extremely difficult. Example: "Despite the challenges, she was determined to keep attempting the impossible and reach her dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

So a dancer spends her childhood attempting the impossible.

The New York Times

Attempting the Impossible: why does western cinema whitewash Asian stories?

The Guardian - Film

That concern has left a succession of American governments attempting the impossible.

The New York Times

The Silicon Valley blogger Henry Blodget thinks Microsoft is attempting the impossible.

The Guardian

Somewhat to my surprise, David Cameron seems to be attempting the impossible and I find myself willing him to succeed.

Independent

He was working in the dark, in a self-inflicted state of moral shock, and attempting the impossible.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We had to attempt the impossible.

The New York Times - Sports

So the Archbishops must attempt the impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

They've never attempted the impossible.

The New Yorker

Sometimes you need to attempt the impossible.

The Washington Post

And again, Ms. Mayers said, she attempted the impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance the impact of "attempting the impossible" by providing specific examples of the challenges or obstacles involved. This helps the reader understand the magnitude of the effort and appreciate the determination of the individuals or entities involved.

Common error

While "attempting the impossible" is a strong and evocative phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Use it sparingly to maximize its impact and consider alternative expressions like "striving for the unattainable" or "pursuing the unachievable" /s/pursuing+the+unachievable to maintain variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting the impossible" functions as a verbal phrase acting as a noun, often used as a gerund. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in describing the action of trying to achieve something deemed unachievable. The phrase commonly serves as a subject or object within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempting the impossible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of trying to achieve something deemed unachievable. As validated by Ludwig, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. The phrase’s prevalence in News & Media and Academia underscores its wide appeal. When using this phrase, consider specifying the challenges involved and avoid overuse for maximum impact. Understanding its nuances can enhance your writing and communication, adding depth and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pursuing the unachievable

Emphasizes the continuous effort and determination involved in trying to reach a goal that seems unattainable.

striving for the unattainable

Highlights the ambition and aspiration driving the effort to reach something beyond normal limits.

undertaking a Sisyphean task

Draws a parallel to the myth of Sisyphus, suggesting a repetitive and ultimately fruitless effort.

chasing rainbows

Implies that the goal is illusory and impossible to grasp, often used in a dismissive or skeptical way.

tilting at windmills

Refers to fighting imaginary enemies or pursuing pointless endeavors, inspired by Don Quixote's famous misadventure.

biting off more than one can chew

Focuses on the overestimation of one's abilities and the resulting struggle to complete an overly ambitious task.

reaching for the stars

Suggests aiming for ambitious goals, even if they seem distant or difficult to achieve.

shooting for the moon

Similar to "reaching for the stars", but emphasizes the extraordinary ambition and challenge involved.

going for broke

Implies taking a significant risk in an attempt to achieve a major success, even if it means risking everything.

flying too close to the sun

Alludes to Icarus's tale, warning against excessive ambition that leads to downfall.

FAQs

What does "attempting the impossible" mean?

It refers to the act of trying to achieve something that is widely considered to be unachievable or extremely difficult. It often highlights determination, ambition, and a willingness to challenge limitations.

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

You can use it to describe someone or something undertaking a seemingly unachievable task. For example: "The scientists were praised for "attempting the impossible" by developing a cure for the disease".

What are some alternatives to "attempting the impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "striving for the unattainable", "pursuing the unachievable" /s/pursuing+the+unachievable, or "tackling the insurmountable depending on the context.

Is "attempting the impossible" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Attempting" is a gerund acting as a verb, and "the impossible" is a noun phrase functioning as the object of the verb.