is impossible without

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is impossible without" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something cannot occur or be achieved unless a certain condition or element is present. Example: "Success in this project is impossible without effective communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Social cohesion is impossible without it.

Independent

Truly Machiavellian manipulation is impossible without it.

The Economist

Reform is impossible without resources".

The New York Times

One is impossible without the other.

The Guardian

It is impossible without the businesses.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet excellence is impossible without opportunity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sheer scale of change is impossible without determined leadership.

The Economist

But strong growth in exports is impossible without credit.

The Economist

Repudiating these is impossible without leaving the EU.

The Economist

True development is impossible without the participation of those concerned.

The Guardian - Opinion

This task is impossible without the cooperation of Russia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is impossible without", ensure that the condition you specify is genuinely essential and not merely helpful. Clarity in this distinction strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is impossible without" when a weaker term like "difficult" or "challenging" would be more accurate. Overstating the necessity can weaken your argument if the connection isn't absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is impossible without" functions as a strong declaration of necessity. It asserts that a particular outcome, action, or state is completely unattainable unless a specific condition or element is present. As Ludwig AI states, it's a direct and emphatic way to express dependency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is impossible without" is a powerful and commonly used expression to convey that a specific condition is absolutely essential for something to occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the necessity is genuine to maintain the strength of your statement. Consider alternatives like "cannot occur without" or "requires the presence of" to fine-tune the tone to suit different writing styles. Avoid overstating the necessity to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot occur without

Uses a simpler verb construction, focusing on the inability of something to happen in the absence of a specific condition.

is unattainable absent

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching a goal or state if something is missing.

requires the presence of

Shifts the focus to the necessary element, highlighting its essential role.

necessitates the inclusion of

Highlights the required addition of something for a desired outcome.

is contingent upon

Indicates a dependency where the outcome directly relies on a specific condition being met.

hinges on

Suggests that success or viability depends critically on one particular element.

demands the existence of

Stresses the fundamental need for something to be present.

is predicated on

Highlights that something is founded or based on a necessary condition.

presupposes

Implies that something is assumed beforehand as a necessary condition.

is inconceivable without

Highlights that something is not capable of being imagined or grasped without a specific condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is impossible without" to sound less absolute?

You can use alternatives like "is highly unlikely without", "is significantly hindered without", or "faces major challenges without" to soften the statement while still emphasizing the importance of the missing element.

Is it always appropriate to use "is impossible without" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is impossible without" can sometimes sound overly assertive. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "is not achievable without" or "requires the presence of" to maintain a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "is impossible without" and "is difficult without"?

"Is impossible without" indicates that something absolutely cannot happen without a specific condition. "Is difficult without", on the other hand, suggests that achieving something is still possible but will be significantly harder or more challenging without that condition.

When should I use "is impossible without" instead of "requires"?

Use "is impossible without" when emphasizing that the absence of something makes success completely unattainable. Use "requires" when simply stating a necessary condition, without necessarily implying impossibility in its absence. The phrase "requires the presence of" might also be useful.