impossible to succeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impossible to succeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that achieving success in a particular situation or task is not feasible. Example: "Given the lack of resources and support, it seems almost impossible to succeed in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He argues that without this patronage it would have been impossible to succeed in the murky world of Russian business.

The Guardian

Of the notion that the Chelsea job has become one in which it is impossible to succeed, Eriksson said: "Why should it be?

Independent

As the unconscionable execution of Troy Davis in Georgia last week underscores, the court has failed because it is impossible to succeed at this task.

The New York Times

COMMENT FROM ALISON: Impossible to succeed and contribute to our country when we can barely float with our student loans weighing us down.

The New Yorker

The polarizing, negative tactics the candidates use to get elected will make it impossible to succeed after one of them wins.

The New York Times

MUMBAI — The Hong Kong entrepreneur Ramesh Tainwala spent 18 months operating branded clothing retail stores in India before deciding it was impossible to succeed without paying bribes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

New Jersey may have been so well positioned with its business structures and location in relation to key national markets that it was virtually impossible not to succeed.

The New York Times

Then there are the managers who insist on throwing down impossible-to-succeed objectives.

BBC

"Without his support and help," Parcells said, "it would have been impossible for anyone to succeed, and I will always be grateful to George for that".

The New York Times - Sports

In Sanchez's view, without educational and vocational programs as a viable alternative to gang membership, it's virtually impossible for advocates to succeed.

The New Yorker

A senior editor who worked closely with Abramson and Raines described their relationship this way: "Howell believed she was failing as Washington bureau chief, and she felt he was making it impossible for her to succeed".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impossible to succeed", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors are contributing to the impossibility. Providing specific reasons strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "impossible to succeed" when the situation is merely very difficult. Consider alternatives like "unlikely to succeed" or "challenging to succeed" to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impossible to succeed" functions as a descriptive phrase, often serving as a predicate adjective complementing a linking verb (e.g., "It is impossible to succeed"). Ludwig AI confirms its common use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "impossible to succeed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey the infeasibility of achieving a certain goal. Ludwig AI identifies its use in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and science. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse and consider more nuanced alternatives like "unlikely to succeed" or "challenging to succeed" when appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use this phrase to communicate a clear message about the potential for failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain to fail

Emphasizes the inevitability of failure, differing from the original phrase by focusing on certainty.

doomed to failure

Highlights the predetermined nature of the failure, adding a sense of fate or inevitability not explicitly present in the original.

cannot be done successfully

Focuses on the inability to achieve success, differing in structure but conveying a similar lack of feasibility.

bound to fall short

Suggests an inevitable deficiency in reaching a desired outcome, emphasizing the shortfall.

no chance of success

Directly states the absence of any possibility for a positive outcome, differing by explicitly mentioning chance.

futile to try

Highlights the uselessness of attempting something, emphasizing the wasted effort.

success is unachievable

Focuses on the unachievability of success, rearranging the phrase to emphasize the outcome.

an exercise in futility

Frames the effort as pointless, emphasizing the lack of value in the attempt.

destined to be unsuccessful

Emphasizes a predetermined lack of success, highlighting destiny and lack of achievement.

achievement is out of the question

Indicates that reaching a goal is completely impossible, differing by making achievement the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "impossible to succeed" in a sentence?

You can use "impossible to succeed" to describe situations where achieving success is not feasible due to various factors. For instance, "It is "impossible to succeed" without adequate resources".

What are some alternatives to saying "impossible to succeed"?

Alternatives include "certain to fail", "doomed to failure", or "success is unachievable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "impossible to succeed"?

Use "impossible to succeed" when there are insurmountable obstacles preventing success. Make sure it is an accurate representation of the difficulty and not an overstatement.

Is "unlikely to succeed" a better choice than "impossible to succeed" in some cases?

Yes, "unlikely to succeed" is more appropriate when success is still theoretically possible, but highly improbable. "Impossible to succeed" should be reserved for situations where success is genuinely unattainable.