impossible to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a particular action cannot be accomplished or is not feasible. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it is impossible to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It's almost impossible to do something in the 154 or 160 divisions.

The Guardian - Sport

VZW likes to gimp its cellphones like nobody's business, making it nearly impossible to do something as simple as put on a funny ring tone (I use the Viva Piña theme on my phone!).

TechCrunch

And, if you find it's impossible to do something you've committed to, if you immediately go to the person to whom you've made the commitment, tell them you won't be able to do it, apologize, and tell them what you'll do instead - that will make you even rarer.

Forbes

We have been told it would be impossible to do something about all of these issues, but what if it wasn't?

Huffington Post

"If they pass something over there and send it over here and suddenly it is the 30th [of September], logistically it is almost impossible to do something that quickly before the deadline".

Huffington Post

Styles and fads have been re-vamped over the ages and it's almost impossible to do something someone else hasn't already done, but as long as you use your own creative ideas and materials, and don't intentionally copy someone else's style stitch by stitch, patch by patch, and stud by stud, you should be fine.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It is impossible for me to do something without believing in it, enjoying it fully".

The New York Times - Arts

Since that was impossible, I had to do something, and I wasn't going to "Thornton Melon's Tall and Fat" shop.

Huffington Post

Neil tells me that he wouldn't do that, but even if he wanted to it's impossible for hypnosis to do something that's against your basic nature, like robbing a bank, killing someone, or wanting to make out with a member of the Kardashian family.

Vice

It's impossible to force anyone to do something against their will.

Vice

Just when you think that it would be impossible for an artist to do something with painting that would blow you away, there it was.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to do something", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the action impossible. Providing specific reasons or constraints strengthens the statement's impact and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to do something" when the action is merely difficult or challenging, not truly unattainable. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Opt for alternatives that reflect degrees of difficulty, such as "challenging to achieve" or "difficult to accomplish".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to do something" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an infinitive. It describes the nature of the action (the 'something') as being unachievable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "impossible to do something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that conveys a strong sense of infeasibility. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and informal discussions. While versatile, it's crucial to use this phrase accurately, reserving it for situations where an action is truly unattainable rather than merely difficult. Alternatives like "highly unlikely" or "extremely difficult" can provide a more nuanced description when appropriate. By considering these guidelines, writers can effectively use "impossible to do something" to communicate impossibility with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unachievable to accomplish

Emphasizes the lack of possibility in achieving a goal; focuses on accomplishment.

unfeasible to undertake

Highlights the impracticality of starting or engaging in a task; emphasizes undertaking.

impractical to execute

Focuses on the lack of practicality in carrying out a plan; emphasizes execution.

beyond one's capabilities to perform

Indicates that the task exceeds someone's abilities; emphasizes personal capability.

not viable to implement

Stresses the lack of viability in putting a plan into effect; emphasizes implementation.

out of the question to consider

Indicates that something should not even be considered; emphasizes consideration.

inconceivable to imagine

Highlights the difficulty in even imagining something happening; emphasizes imagination.

unthinkable to contemplate

Indicates that something is too unlikely to even think about; emphasizes contemplation.

in vain to attempt

Suggests that any attempt would be futile; emphasizes attempting.

fruitless to pursue

Highlights the lack of potential reward in chasing a goal; emphasizes pursuit.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "impossible to do something" to sound less absolute?

You can use alternatives like "highly unlikely", "extremely difficult", or "virtually impossible" to soften the statement.

Is it grammatically correct to say "impossible for me to do something"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Adding "for me" clarifies who finds the action impossible. Example: "It's impossible for me to complete the task by tomorrow."

What's the difference between "impossible to do something" and "unable to do something"?

"Impossible to do something" implies that the task cannot be done under any circumstances, while "unable to do something" suggests a lack of ability or resources at the present time. The former is more absolute.

When should I use "impossible to do something" instead of "difficult to do something"?

Use "impossible to do something" when the action is truly unattainable due to physical laws, logical contradictions, or absolute constraints. Use "difficult to do something" when the action is challenging but potentially achievable with effort or resources.