cant possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

"can't possibly" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that something is impossible to do or achieve. Example: "I can't possibly finish this project by tomorrow, it's too complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't possibly believe that.

The New York Times

That can't possibly be true.

The New York Times

Oooh! No! Can't possibly!

Nature

"You can't possibly know".

The New York Times - Arts

You can't possibly slouch.

The New York Times

"You can't possibly close!

The Guardian

Can't possibly be.

The New York Times - Sports

Zinczenko: "Men can't possibly be finished.

The New Yorker

I can't possibly physically work harder.

Independent

"I can't possibly do that.

The Washington Post

She can't possibly mean it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cant possibly" to express strong disbelief or to emphasize the impossibility of something, making your statement more impactful.

Common error

While "cant possibly" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "absolutely impossible" or "beyond the realm of possibility" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cant possibly" functions as an intensifier expressing strong disbelief or impossibility. As Ludwig indicates, it suggests a high degree of certainty that something is not feasible or true. Examples across various sources showcase this emphatic denial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cant possibly" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express strong disbelief or the impossibility of something. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While acceptable in many contexts, it's important to consider the level of formality and opt for more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal writing. Its usage is particularly frequent in news and media, reflecting its role in conveying emphatic statements or rejections. Therefore, utilize this phrase to effectively emphasize your conviction that something is impossible or untrue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely impossible

Emphasizes complete impossibility, more forceful than "cant possibly".

utterly impossible

Similar to "absolutely impossible", highlighting the total lack of possibility.

simply cannot

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing inability or impossibility.

cannot be done

Focuses on the infeasibility of an action or task.

out of the question

Indicates that something is not worth considering due to its impossibility or unsuitability.

no way

An informal way to express strong disagreement or disbelief, implying impossibility.

not a chance

Another informal expression indicating a very low probability or impossibility.

beyond the realm of possibility

A more formal and emphatic way to state that something is impossible.

inconceivable

Suggests that something is unimaginable or unthinkable.

unthinkable

Similar to "inconceivable", implying that something is too unlikely or undesirable to consider.

FAQs

How can I use "cant possibly" in a sentence?

You can use "cant possibly" to express strong disbelief or to emphasize that something is completely impossible. For example, "I "cant possibly" believe that story" or "He "cant possibly" finish the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "cant possibly"?

Some alternatives to "cant possibly" include "absolutely impossible", "utterly impossible", or "simply cannot". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "cant possibly" considered formal or informal?

"Cant possibly" is generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts, especially in spoken language and less formal writing. For formal settings, consider using alternatives like "absolutely impossible" or "beyond the realm of possibility".

What's the difference between "cant possibly" and "probably can't"?

"Cant possibly" expresses a strong conviction that something is impossible, while "probably can't" indicates a lower degree of certainty. "I "cant possibly" attend the meeting" means you are sure you cannot attend, whereas "I probably can't attend the meeting" means you are unsure but think it's unlikely.