has not been possible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has not been possible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something could not be achieved or accomplished. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, it has not been possible to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has not been possible to establish if any company was censured.

The Guardian - Business

However it has not been possible to contact everyone who received the initial advice".

The Guardian

It has not been possible to establish whether the same personnel were involved in both attacks.

The Guardian

It has not been possible to independently verify the veracity of the documents.

The Guardian - Tech

Somehow, it has not been possible to establish who these others were.

The Economist

It has not been possible to source rabbits in the same way in New York.

The New York Times

Evidently it has not been possible to admit a sewage truck to the area.

The Economist

All are still in place, but so far it has not been possible to replace an entire trachea, he said.

The New York Times - Health

These checks suggest the messages are genuine, but it has not been possible to verify every one.

The Guardian

"It has not been possible to commission the woodchip/gasification component of UEA's new CHP [combined heat and power] unit.

The Guardian

He said: "It has not been possible to have a big bang and for everything to be in place.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "has not been possible to", ensure the reason for the impossibility is either clearly stated or easily inferred from the context. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

While "has not been possible to" is grammatically sound, overuse can lead to a passive writing style. Consider rephrasing to an active voice construction where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact. Instead of "It has not been possible to verify the claims", try "We could not verify the claims".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has not been possible to" functions as a modal expression indicating an inability or lack of feasibility. It signifies that a certain action or outcome could not be achieved due to various constraints or limitations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has not been possible to" is a versatile expression used to indicate the inability to achieve a particular outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields such as science, news, and formal business communication. The phrase serves to explain why something could not be accomplished, providing context and justification. While generally neutral to formal, it is advisable to avoid overuse and consider active voice constructions for clearer writing. As such, it is most appropriate to always provide a rationale to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was not feasible

This alternative stresses the impracticality of something due to constraints or limitations.

it couldn't be done

This alternative uses a more concise and informal phrasing to convey impossibility.

it was unachievable

This alternative focuses on the impossibility of reaching a specific goal or outcome.

it was impractical

This alternative emphasizes the lack of practicality of something in a given situation.

it proved unfeasible

This alternative emphasizes the impracticality or lack of viability of something.

it was not viable

This alternative highlights the lack of feasibility or sustainability of something.

it remained unattainable

This alternative suggests that something continued to be out of reach over a period of time.

it was unworkable

This alternative suggests that something could not be successfully implemented or executed.

it was beyond reach

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to indicate impossibility.

it was out of the question

This alternative suggests that something was not even considered as a possibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has not been possible to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it proved unfeasible to", "it was not viable to", or "it remained unattainable to". These alternatives often carry a greater sense of distance and objectivity.

Is it better to use "it has not been possible to" or "we have not been able to"?

The choice depends on the context. "It "has not been possible to"" is more impersonal and suitable when the impossibility is due to general circumstances. "We have not been able to" is more direct and appropriate when referring to a specific effort or attempt. For example: "It "has not been possible to" determine the cause" versus "We "have not been able to" replicate the results".

What are some common synonyms for "possible" in the context of "has not been possible to"?

Common synonyms include "feasible", "achievable", "viable", "attainable", and "practical". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I avoid passive voice when using "has not been possible to"?

To avoid passive voice, restructure the sentence to emphasize the actor. For example, instead of "It "has not been possible to" confirm the finding", try "The study could not confirm the finding" or "Researchers were unable to confirm the finding".