is impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something cannot be accomplished or is not possible. Example: "Winning the lottery with only one ticket is impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes, it is impossible.

The New York Times

Therefore progress is impossible.

Independent

It is impossible.

The New York Times

Often it is impossible.

The New York Times

"But this is impossible.

The New York Times

Watertight protection is impossible.

The Economist

The woman is impossible".

Independent

Perfect security is impossible.

The Economist

That is impossible.

The New York Times

Walking is impossible.

The New Yorker

Stability is impossible.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is impossible", ensure the statement is accurate and not merely an exaggeration. Consider whether the situation presents extreme difficulty or genuine impossibility.

Common error

Avoid using "is impossible" when "is highly unlikely" or "is very difficult" would be more accurate. Overstating the impossibility can weaken your argument if there's even a slight chance of occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is impossible" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being not possible. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is impossible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something cannot occur or be done. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal news reports to scientific analyses. While versatile, it's important to ensure the statement is accurate and not an overstatement. Consider alternatives like "is not possible" or "is highly unlikely" for nuances in meaning. When used accurately, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of impossibility or infeasibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not possible

Emphasizes a lack of possibility, a direct synonym.

is unachievable

Highlights the inability to reach a desired goal or outcome.

cannot be done

Focuses on the action of doing something, suggesting the task is unachievable.

is infeasible

Suggests that something is not practical or realistic.

is unattainable

Focuses on the inability to obtain or acquire something.

is out of the question

Indicates that something is unacceptable or not worth considering.

is simply not an option

Emphasizes that something is not a viable choice or alternative.

is beyond reach

Suggests something is too difficult or distant to be attained.

is a pipe dream

Indicates that something is an unrealistic or fanciful hope.

is a lost cause

Suggests that there is no hope of success or improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "is impossible" to state that something cannot happen or be done. For example, "It is impossible to be in two places at once."

What can I say instead of "is impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "is not possible", "is unachievable", or "is infeasible" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is impossible" or "it's impossible"?

"Is impossible" is a phrase, while "it's impossible" is a complete sentence with a subject and verb. Both are correct, but they have different grammatical functions. You use "it's impossible" when 'it' refers to something specific.

What's the difference between "is impossible" and "seems impossible"?

"Is impossible" states a definitive impossibility, while "seems impossible" suggests that something appears to be impossible, but there may still be a chance of it happening.