in case of impossibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in case of impossibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition or situation where something cannot be done or achieved. Example: "Please provide an alternative solution in case of impossibility to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Muscle relaxants were applied in case of impossibility to achieve patient-ventilator synchrony.

Critical Care

US can be a real help for puncture in small joints and could serve as an alternative procedure, in case of impossibility or contraindication to joint aspiration.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

In case of impossibility to proceed to primary optimal cytoreduction, as assessed at primary laparotomic effort, patients were triaged to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Fanfani et al, 2003; Vergote et al, 2005).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One of them is to use lower cost equipment with reduced safety integrity level, but with a design that would fail to a safe state: in case of the impossibility for the system to know whether a train is approaching, the crossing changes to a passive crossing.

Procedia Manufacturing

This was so despite the fact that, in order to guarantee a sufficient sample size, the number of selected households was three times the theoretical sample size: each sample unit had three possible alternatives (similar with respect to citizenship, geographic residence and household size) to be used in case of the impossibility of contacting the first household (Istat, 2016).

Comparative Migration Studies

The other views should be used as second choice in case of doubtful measure or impossibility to obtain a clear image.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Usually, clinicians require rectal MRI in case of positive colonoscopy for cancer and/or impossibility to endoscopically remove the lesion.

Insights into Imaging

The origin of the scaling-issue, i.e. the impossibility to get access to measured data in case of accident in nuclear reactors, is discussed at first.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

American Honda Motor Co., 529 U. S. 861, 869 (2000) ("[T]he saving clause … does not bar the ordinary working of conflict pre-emption principles"); id., at 873 874 ("The Court has … refused to read general 'saving' provisions to tolerate actual conflict both in cases involving impossibility and in 'frustration-of-purpose' cases" (emphasis deleted and citation omitted)).

Cornell University

In fact, Grosseteste explains the eternal powers of propositions in terms of God's eternal powers to know and will propositions, effectively grounding non-temporal modality in God's powers or lack thereof (in the case of necessity and impossibility).

SEP

The inability of minds and bodies to interact is, according to Malebranche, simply a special case of the impossibility of interaction between created things in general.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in case of impossibility", ensure the sentence clearly outlines the alternative action or plan to be taken. This helps maintain clarity and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "in case of impossibility" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "if it's not possible" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in case of impossibility" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a conditional clause. It sets up a contingency, indicating what action should be taken if the primary plan cannot be executed. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

Formal & Business

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in case of impossibility" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce a contingency plan. Ludwig confirms its primary function is to provide a backup strategy in formal and scientific contexts. While it is not very common, understanding its appropriate usage ensures clarity and preparedness in writing. When a less formal tone is required, simpler alternatives like "if it's not possible" might be a better choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it's not possible

This alternative is more direct and simplifies the wording.

should it be unfeasible

This alternative uses a more formal tone, emphasizing practicality.

if it proves unachievable

This alternative highlights the aspect of attempting and failing.

in the event of infeasibility

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the impracticality.

if it turns out to be impossible

This alternative adds a sense of discovery or realization.

where it is not viable

This alternative focuses on the practicality and sustainability of an action.

if it is not doable

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the practicality.

in circumstances where it's not possible

This alternative adds a more descriptive and elaborate structure.

should completion be unattainable

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of completion and its impossibility.

if success cannot be guaranteed

This alternative shifts the focus to the uncertainty of success.

FAQs

What does "in case of impossibility" mean?

The phrase "in case of impossibility" means 'if something cannot be done or achieved'. It indicates a contingency plan is needed if the primary action is not feasible.

What can I say instead of "in case of impossibility"?

You can use alternatives like "if it's not possible", "should it be unfeasible", or "if it proves unachievable" depending on the context.

Is "in case of impossibility" formal or informal?

"In case of impossibility" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

How to use "in case of impossibility" in a sentence?

Example: "Please provide an alternative solution in case of impossibility to meet the deadline."