but it is impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but it is impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something cannot be done or achieved, often following a statement that suggests a possibility. Example: "I would love to help you with your project, but it is impossible given the time constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it is impossible.

The Guardian

But it is impossible to prove.

The New Yorker

But it is impossible to describe".

The New York Times - Magazine

But it is impossible to know for sure.

The Economist

But it is impossible for the reporter to turn around.

The New York Times

But it is impossible to get anywhere fast.

The Economist

But it is impossible not to love his story.

The New York Times

But it is impossible to stop players from the EEA.

Independent

But it is impossible: circumstances have changed too much.

The Guardian - Books

But it is impossible to know where the fiction starts.

The New York Times - Books

But it is impossible to imagine contemporary politics without caricature.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but it is impossible" to clearly and directly state that a task, goal or outcome cannot be achieved under the given circumstances. This phrase is effective for setting realistic expectations or explaining limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "but it is impossible" as a knee-jerk reaction to challenges. Instead, explore potential solutions or compromises first. Overusing this phrase can convey negativity and close off opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it is impossible" functions as a conjunctional phrase used to introduce a statement of impossibility that contrasts with a preceding idea or plan. Ludwig AI confirms that is a correct and usable phrase, often following a statement that suggests a possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but it is impossible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to clearly communicate the infeasibility of a task or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential overuse and consider exploring alternative solutions first. Related phrases, such as "but it is unachievable", "but it cannot be done", and "but it is unrealistic", can provide nuanced variations in meaning. The best way to employ this phrase is in clear, direct communication, ensuring the impossibility is genuine and not merely a perceived difficulty. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC use it frequently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but it's unachievable

Replaces "impossible" with "unachievable", focusing on the lack of possibility to reach a certain goal.

but it's simply not possible

Adds emphasis with "simply", highlighting the definitive nature of the impossibility.

but it cannot be done

Uses a more direct and concise construction to state that something is not feasible.

but it's out of the question

Emphasizes that something is not worth considering or allowing.

but it is beyond reach

Focuses on the idea that something is unattainable or too difficult to achieve.

but it's unrealistic

Highlights that something is not practical or likely to happen.

but it defies possibility

Emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of something occurring.

but it's virtually impossible

Adds the qualifier "virtually", indicating that something is almost impossible.

but it's a lost cause

Suggests that any attempt to achieve something is futile.

but it stands no chance

Indicates that something has no probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "but it is impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "but it is impossible" to express that something cannot be achieved or done. For example, "I would like to complete this project today, "but it is impossible" given the current workload".

What are some alternatives to saying "but it is impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "but it is unachievable", "but it cannot be done", or "but it is unrealistic" depending on the specific context.

Is there a more formal way to say "but it is impossible"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "but it is infeasible" or "but it is impracticable". These options provide a more professional tone while conveying the same meaning of impossibility.

When is it appropriate to use "but it is impossible" instead of "but it is difficult"?

Use "but it is impossible" when something is truly not achievable under any circumstances. If there's a possibility, however slim, it's more accurate to say "but it is difficult".