difficult but not impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'difficult but not impossible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is challenging but still achievable. For example: "Solving the equation may be difficult but not impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's difficult, but not impossible.

Independent

Difficult but not impossible.

The Washington Post

This is difficult, but not impossible.

The Economist

It is difficult, but not impossible.

The New York Times - Sports

It would be difficult, but not impossible.

The New Yorker

That will be difficult, but not impossible.

The New Yorker

This will be difficult, but not impossible.

The Economist

A. Difficult but not impossible.

The New York Times

That's a difficult but not impossible proposition.

The Guardian - Opinion

Catching them is difficult but not impossible.

The New York Times

This is difficult but not impossible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult but not impossible" to convey a sense of optimism and determination when acknowledging a challenge. It assures the audience that success is still attainable despite the obstacles.

Common error

While effective, "difficult but not impossible" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult but not impossible" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase. It is used to describe a situation or task, qualifying it as challenging yet achievable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, effectively conveying a nuanced perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "difficult but not impossible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys cautious optimism. As Ludwig AI points out, its purpose is to acknowledge challenges while affirming the potential for success. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. The phrase's common usage is supported by the numerous examples available in Ludwig, affirming its effectiveness in communicating resilience and determination. Related phrases such as "challenging but achievable" provide alternatives for writers seeking to avoid repetition. Ultimately, "difficult but not impossible" serves as a versatile tool for expressing a hopeful perspective in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging but achievable

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "not impossible" with "achievable", maintaining the core meaning with slightly different wording.

tough but attainable

Substitutes "difficult" for "tough" and "not impossible" for "attainable", emphasizing effort and feasibility.

arduous yet feasible

Uses more formal synonyms: "arduous" for "difficult" and "feasible" for "not impossible", increasing the formality.

demanding but within reach

Rephrases to highlight the demanding nature of the task while emphasizing that it's still "within reach".

complex but manageable

Focuses on the complexity of the situation while assuring it is "manageable".

hard but doable

Offers a more informal and concise alternative, using simpler vocabulary.

trying but surmountable

Replaces "difficult" with "trying" and "not impossible" with "surmountable", implying a test of endurance that can be overcome.

laborious but realistic

Emphasizes the effort required while maintaining a sense of realism about the possibility of success.

onerous, yet viable

Similar to "arduous yet feasible", this alternative uses more sophisticated vocabulary to convey the same meaning.

involve challenges, but achievable

Explicitly mentions challenges and then directly affirms that they are achievable.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult but not impossible" in a sentence?

Use "difficult but not impossible" to acknowledge a significant challenge while maintaining a hopeful outlook. For instance, "Reaching the summit will be "difficult but not impossible" if we work together".

What are some alternatives to "difficult but not impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging but achievable", "tough but attainable", or "arduous yet feasible" to express a similar sentiment with slightly different nuances.

Is "difficult but not impossible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "difficult but not impossible" is grammatically correct. It uses a coordinating conjunction ("but") to connect two adjectives, creating a balanced and understandable phrase.

In what contexts is "difficult but not impossible" most appropriate?

"Difficult but not impossible" is appropriate in various contexts, from formal discussions to informal conversations, when you want to convey a message of resilience and potential success despite challenges. Its use in "news media" shows its wide acceptance.