cannot possibly be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot possibly be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the impossibility of a situation or statement. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it cannot possibly be true that he was not at the scene of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That cannot possibly be right.

Yale University

He said: "It cannot possibly be true.

The New York Times

This cannot possibly be a good thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then the world cannot possibly be a philosopher?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Officially it really cannot possibly be a race".

The Guardian - Sport

"That cannot possibly be the law," Mr. Verrilli said.

The New York Times

Free speech, however, cannot possibly be fostered by presidential or institutional silence.

Princeton University

It therefore cannot possibly be true that Rasul controls this case, as Justice Souter suggests.

Cornell University

It is, however, a fact that cannot possibly be understood without imagination.

The New York Times

Thus, "captivity, extended or otherwise, cannot possibly be the cause of wheel running".

The Guardian

The message to women is that who they are, right now, cannot possibly be adequate.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot possibly be" to express a strong conviction that something is not feasible or true. This phrase is effective for dismissing ideas or possibilities outright.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot possibly be" in situations where a simple "is not" or "is unlikely" would suffice. Overusing this emphatic phrase can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot possibly be" functions as an emphatic declarative, used to strongly assert the impossibility or unfeasibility of a situation. It expresses a firm belief that something is not, or cannot be, the case. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot possibly be" serves as a powerful tool for expressing strong disbelief or impossibility. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations demanding emphasis. Alternatives like "is out of the question" or "is simply impossible" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, confirming its linguistic validity and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is out of the question

Replaces "cannot possibly be" with a more emphatic expression of impossibility.

is simply impossible

Emphasizes the impossibility with the adverb "simply".

is entirely unfeasible

Uses a more formal and technical term, "unfeasible", to denote impossibility.

is just not an option

Presents the impossibility as a lack of viable choice.

is not at all possible

Adds emphasis with "not at all".

is beyond the realm of possibility

Expresses impossibility by framing it as outside the scope of what's achievable.

is not a chance

Uses a more informal expression.

is totally unrealistic

Focuses on the lack of realism to convey impossibility.

is a pipe dream

Metaphorically describes the impossibility as a fantastical or unattainable aspiration.

is dead certain not to happen

Highlights the certainty of the event not occurring.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot possibly be" in a sentence?

Use "cannot possibly be" to express strong disbelief or to state that something is entirely impossible. For example: "That "cannot possibly be" true."

What are some alternatives to "cannot possibly be"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is out of the question", "is simply impossible", or "is entirely unfeasible". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "cannot possibly be"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "cannot possibly be" can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations where you want to strongly emphasize the impossibility of something.

What is the difference between "cannot be" and "cannot possibly be"?

"Cannot be" states a simple impossibility, while "cannot possibly be" adds a layer of emphasis, expressing a stronger conviction that something is not feasible.