how is that possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'how is that possible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to ask about something that seems unlikely or difficult to believe. For example: "I heard that the new CEO is only 20 years old - how is that possible?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

How is that possible?

The New York Times

So how is that possible?

The Economist

But how is that possible?

The Guardian

Outsiders think, How is that possible?

The New York Times - Magazine

"How is that possible?" she wondered.

The New York Times

How is that possible?" he asked.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

How was that possible?

The New York Times

So, how was that possible?

The Washington Post

How is that even possible?

The New York Times

So how is that even possible?

The New York Times

How is that possibly possible?

Aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how is that possible" to express genuine surprise or skepticism when presented with unexpected information. It invites explanation and further detail.

Common error

Avoid using "how is that possible" sarcastically when you already know the answer. Sarcastic usage can come across as dismissive or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how is that possible" functions as an interrogative expression. It serves to question the feasibility or likelihood of a statement or situation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how is that possible" is a versatile interrogative expression used to convey surprise, skepticism, or genuine inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and everyday conversation. The phrase prompts explanation and invites further detail. While its register is generally neutral, avoiding sarcastic usage ensures clarity and prevents unintended negative connotations. Related alternatives, such as "how can that be" and "is that plausible", offer nuanced ways to question the feasibility or likelihood of a statement or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How can that be?

Changes the verb from "is" to "can be", emphasizing the possibility rather than the current state.

How is that achievable?

Replaces "possible" with "achievable", focusing on the attainability of a goal.

What makes that feasible?

Replaces "possible" with "feasible" and frames the question to seek the underlying reasons for possibility.

How could that happen?

Focuses on the process or sequence of events that would lead to the situation being questioned.

Is that plausible?

Asks whether something is believable or credible.

Is that even realistic?

Questions the practicality and groundedness of the situation.

What are the odds of that?

Expresses surprise by questioning the probability or likelihood of the event.

How does that work?

Shifts the focus to understanding the mechanism or process by which something is possible.

What's the explanation for that?

Seeks a rational account or reason for the situation, rather than questioning its possibility.

What's the likelihood of that?

Similar to "What are the odds of that?" but more formal.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "how is that possible" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "how is that achievable", "what makes that feasible?", or "is that plausible" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "how is that possible" and "how can that be"?

While both phrases express surprise or disbelief, "how is that possible" focuses on the feasibility of something, whereas "how can that be" questions the way something exists or occurs.

How to use "how is that possible" in a sentence?

You can use "how is that possible" in situations where you encounter an unexpected situation or a surprising piece of information. For example: "He claims to have finished the project in one day – how is that possible?"

What's a less direct way to ask "how is that possible"?

Instead of directly asking "how is that possible?", you could say "I'm having trouble understanding how that could happen" or "I'm curious to know more about how that was achieved".