become impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

"become impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that can no longer be done or something that was once possible but then became too difficult or impossible. For example, "Once the deadline for the project had passed, it became impossible for us to finish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, such trades may become impossible -- or at least, impossibly expensive.

The New York Times

This had become impossible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now that's become impossible".

The Guardian - Sport

"What was hard has become impossible.

The Washington Post

"Making an F1 movie has become impossible".

The New York Times - Style

Secrets of any sort could become impossible.

The Guardian

"It's become impossible for anyone to ignore".

The Guardian

Many oldtimers say parking has become impossible.

The New York Times

It has become impossible to hold this country in thrall.

The New York Times - Sports

Destruction would become mutually assured, and victory would become impossible.

The New Yorker

With 20 or more members, they may become impossible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become impossible", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors led to the impossibility. Provide specific details to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "become impossible" when describing a situation that is merely difficult or challenging. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the obstacle is truly insurmountable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become impossible" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state, specifically a transition from possibility to impossibility. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become impossible" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a transition to a state of impossibility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, particularly in news and media, science, and academia. While it maintains a neutral register, its impact is strongest when the context clearly illustrates the factors leading to this state. Consider using synonyms like "prove unachievable" or "be rendered infeasible" in formal contexts, but always reserve "become impossible" for situations where the obstacle is truly insurmountable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be out of the question

Indicates that something is not a viable option or possibility.

prove unachievable

Highlights the failure to reach a specific goal or outcome.

be beyond reach

Signifies a state of being inaccessible or unobtainable.

turn unattainable

Suggests a shift from being within reach to being out of reach.

cease to be an option

Emphasizes the removal of something from the realm of possibilities.

be rendered infeasible

Focuses on the factors that make something impractical or unworkable.

end up impracticable

Emphasizes the conclusion that something is not suitable or sensible.

get unworkable

Highlights the deterioration of conditions to a point where something no longer functions.

be simply not doable

Uses informal language to express the impossibility of completing a task.

reach an impasse

Describes a situation where progress is blocked, often in negotiations or problem-solving.

FAQs

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

Use "become impossible" to describe a situation that has transitioned from being achievable to unachievable due to specific circumstances. For example, "Due to the new regulations, completing the project has "become impossible"".

What are some alternatives to "become impossible"?

Alternatives include "prove unachievable", "be rendered infeasible", or "be out of the question", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "become impossible" in formal writing?

While "become impossible" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "be rendered infeasible" or "prove unattainable" in highly formal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "become impossible" and "is difficult"?

"Become impossible" signifies that something is no longer achievable, while "is difficult" indicates that something is challenging but still potentially achievable. For example, if a task requires resources that are no longer available, it might "become impossible". If the task simply requires more effort or skill, it is merely difficult.