is close to impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is close to impossible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the difficulty of a task that is almost, but not entirely, impossible. For example: "Finding a decent job in this economy is close to impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now it is close to impossible.

The Economist

This is close to impossible.

Harvard University

Deciphering his hard count is close to impossible.

The Washington Post

But replicating that experience is close to impossible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Reason is close to impossible with the Tea Party.

The Guardian

But it is an uphill battle against the institutionalized medicine, and survival is close to impossible.

Harvard University

It is close to impossible to be granted parole in New York.

The New York Times

"It is close to impossible that she would have operational details," said an Iraqi intelligence officer.

The Guardian

If he has struggled at times, it may be because being a music director these days is close to impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's close to impossible," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"But it's close to impossible".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is close to impossible", consider whether the situation genuinely has a sliver of possibility. If there's absolutely no chance, using "is impossible" may be more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "is close to impossible" when the situation is merely very difficult, but achievable with effort. Reserve the phrase for situations where success is genuinely improbable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is close to impossible" functions as a qualifier, specifically emphasizing the degree of difficulty associated with an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to highlight that something is nearly, but not entirely, unachievable. Examples in the data demonstrate its application across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is close to impossible" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a high degree of difficulty or improbability. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples shows its prevalence in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While it suggests a slight chance of success, it primarily serves to manage expectations and highlight challenges. Consider using alternatives like "is virtually impossible" or "is nearly impossible" for similar meanings. Avoid overstating impossibility when the situation is merely difficult, not fundamentally unachievable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually impossible

Replaces "close to" with "virtually", emphasizing the near impossibility.

is nearly impossible

Substitutes "close to" with "nearly", conveying a similar level of difficulty.

is almost impossible

Employs "almost" instead of "close to", indicating a slight chance of possibility.

is practically impossible

Uses "practically" to highlight the impossibility in a practical sense.

is as good as impossible

Expresses impossibility by comparing it to something already impossible.

borders on impossibility

Suggests that the situation is approaching the state of being impossible.

is a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success, implying it's nearly impossible.

is highly improbable

Replaces the direct statement of impossibility with its statistical unlikelihood.

stands little chance

Indicates a very low likelihood of success or occurrence.

faces insurmountable obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles that make success almost impossible.

FAQs

How can I use "is close to impossible" in a sentence?

Use "is close to impossible" to describe a situation that is very difficult to achieve or overcome. For example: "Finding affordable housing in this city is close to impossible."

What are some alternatives to saying "is close to impossible"?

You can use alternatives such as "is virtually impossible", "is nearly impossible", or "is almost impossible" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is impossible" or "is close to impossible"?

The choice depends on the context. "Is impossible" implies no chance of success, while "is close to impossible" suggests a very slight chance, however improbable. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual likelihood.

What does "is close to impossible" mean?

The phrase "is close to impossible" means that something is extremely difficult to achieve, so much so that it is almost unachievable, but with a very slim possibility.