beyond possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"beyond possibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is impossible or beyond the realm of possibility. It can also convey a sense of hopelessness or inevitability. Example: "Winning the lottery is beyond possibility for most people, but that doesn't stop us from dreaming about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Spitsbergen's ice could disappear this century, Greenland's ice cap melting is not beyond possibility.

The Telegraph

Plus, to have written a book was already more than I had ever expected, so a movie seemed beyond possibility".

The New York Times

After his triumphant return, a return that for decades seemed beyond possibility, he was honored in a Vilnius that is no longer Jewish or Polish, but altogether Lithuanian.

The New York Times

It is not beyond possibility that with his "crooked Hillary" mantra, Trump will accuse the "liberal elite" of fixing the result and lead an armed insurrection.

The Guardian

With even the Pentagon now hinting at plans to draw down troop levels significantly next year, and with Congress pushing for a phased withdrawal, such demands no longer look beyond possibility.

The Economist

In describing Petit's practice regime, mostly conducted in a meadow outside the city, McCann suggests that he only fell once in training, and that this in itself was necessary: "Once exactly, so he felt it couldn't happen again, it was beyond possibility.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Describing his people as "impatient," he said that "the demands of the people should not rise beyond possibilities".

The New York Times

A colorful billboard with an alluring panorama of a woman meditating and children frolicking in green fields bears the Hydra slogan: Building beyond possibilities.

The New York Times

On the other hand, social networks do have not such restrictions but their wide use and scope produce a large volume of data, beyond possibilities of interaction among users and facilities in information diffusion.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Neoliberalism and Beyond: The Possibilities of a Social Justice Agenda?

Springer

"We hold mothers responsible beyond all logic, beyond any possibility that they could stop it," Professor Becker said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beyond possibility" to describe events or outcomes that are not just unlikely, but realistically unattainable under any foreseeable circumstances. It adds a sense of finality or certainty to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "beyond possibility" when describing events that are merely improbable or highly unlikely. The phrase is best reserved for situations that are genuinely impossible based on current knowledge or circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beyond possibility" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating something is unattainable or impossible. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to express a strong sense of improbability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beyond possibility" signifies something that is completely unattainable or impossible, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While the phrase is grammatically sound and generally considered correct, its frequency is uncommon. It appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts to emphatically dismiss the potential for a certain outcome. When employing the expression "beyond possibility", ensure that the situation genuinely warrants such a definitive statement of impossibility. Related alternatives include "out of the question" and "not a chance", offering similar yet nuanced ways to convey impossibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the realm of possibility

This alternative is more descriptive, highlighting the separation from what is realistically achievable.

completely impossible

This is a straightforward, emphatic way to state the impossibility of something.

out of the question

This alternative suggests a firm refusal or impossibility, emphasizing a lack of consideration.

cannot happen

A direct declaration of something being prevented or unable to occur.

definitely not

This alternative emphasizes a firm denial of something, highlighting the lack of chance.

not a chance

This phrase is an informal way to express complete lack of possibility.

no way

An informal expression indicating strong disbelief or denial of possibility.

unthinkable

This term emphasizes the radical or unacceptable nature of something, making it seem impossible.

inconceivable

This word highlights the difficulty or inability to imagine something happening.

assuredly not

This phrase conveys a confident negative assertion, emphasizing the lack of possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "beyond possibility" in a sentence?

Use "beyond possibility" to emphasize that something is not just unlikely, but truly unattainable. For example, "Achieving world peace in our current political climate seems "beyond possibility"".

What phrases are similar to "beyond possibility"?

Alternatives include "out of the question", "not a chance", or "inconceivable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not beyond possibility"?

Yes, "not beyond possibility" means that something is possible, even if it's unlikely. It's the opposite of saying something is definitely impossible.

What is the difference between "unlikely" and "beyond possibility"?

"Unlikely" suggests a low probability, whereas "beyond possibility" means there is absolutely no chance of something happening. It is a stronger statement.