given the impossibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given the impossibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement or conclusion that arises from a situation deemed impossible or unfeasible. Example: "Given the impossibility of completing the project on time, we must consider extending the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Given the impossibility of comparing chariots with private jets, this is an absurd question.

The Guardian - Books

Given the impossibility of erasing the deficit by then, the ceiling will have to be lifted.

The Economist

Given the impossibility of holding elections, traditional elders will choose a constituent assembly, which will then choose a parliament, which will elect a president.

The Guardian

Later, in a van on the road to Erbil, I asked Makiya what — given the catastrophe, given the impossibility of doing it over — could be done.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Even having made him available to Milan, Cagliari have not requested any financial compensation, given the impossibility of quantifying the value of feelings.

The Guardian - Sport

Given the impossibility of predicting anything to do with Italy, we decided to try hard statistical probability.The football World Cup looks like a good place to start.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Elsewhere, a music student explained that she felt newly isolated from the rest of Europe, given the sudden impossibility of visits to London or Dublin.

The New Yorker

The book will become a bible for aspiring chefs and, given the near impossibility of gaining a reservation, the best way to experience Mr Dabbous's cuisine.

The Economist

Given the near impossibility of obtaining Bayreuth tickets, or for those who choose simply not to make the pilgrimage this year, it should be a tantalizing possibility.

The New York Times - Arts

Given the near impossibility of censoring the internet, and the apparent insatiable human appetite for titillating gossip, we're moving into uncharted territory.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the police and the public, the looming questions were not only who committed the crimes but, given the near impossibility of selling the paintings, why.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "given the impossibility", ensure that the impossibility is clearly defined or understood in the context to avoid ambiguity. This phrase works best when the impossibility is a key factor influencing a decision or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "given the impossibility" when the situation is merely difficult or unlikely, rather than truly impossible. Using it in situations that lack genuine impossibility weakens the impact of your statement and may lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given the impossibility" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a reason or condition. It typically precedes a main clause, providing the basis for the statement that follows. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is often used to justify decisions or explain outcomes based on a recognized impossibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given the impossibility" is a prepositional phrase used to introduce a statement justified by an acknowledged impossibility. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news and scientific writing. While it's a common phrase, it's essential to ensure the situation is genuinely impossible to avoid weakening the statement's impact. Alternatives like "considering the impossibility" or "in light of the impossibility" offer subtle variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering the impossibility

Replaces "given" with "considering", offering a slightly more formal tone.

in light of the impossibility

Substitutes "given" with "in light of", providing a more emphatic introduction.

owing to the impossibility

Uses "owing to" instead of "given", indicating a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

due to the impossibility

Similar to "owing to", but perhaps slightly less formal.

because of the impossibility

A more direct and straightforward alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

taking into account the impossibility

Emphasizes the act of considering the impossibility as a factor.

considering it's impossible

Simplifies the phrase by using "it's impossible" instead of "the impossibility".

in view of the impossibility

Offers a slightly more formal alternative to "given the impossibility".

since it is impossible

Replaces the prepositional phrase with a subordinate clause.

as there is no possibility

Uses a more descriptive approach to express the lack of possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "given the impossibility" in a sentence?

Use "given the impossibility" to introduce a conclusion or decision that results from something being impossible. For example, "Given the impossibility of completing the project on time, we need to request an extension."

What phrases are similar to "given the impossibility"?

Alternatives include "considering the impossibility", "in light of the impossibility", or "owing to the impossibility". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it incorrect to use "given the impossibility" in formal writing?

No, "given the impossibility" is suitable for formal writing. However, alternatives like "in light of the impossibility" or "owing to the impossibility" may sound more sophisticated in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "given the impossibility" and "given the difficulty"?

"Given the impossibility" indicates that something is completely unachievable, while "given the difficulty" suggests that something is achievable but requires significant effort or faces substantial challenges. Use the former only when the situation is truly impossible.