is not a viable option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not a viable option" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing choices or alternatives that are not practical or feasible in a given situation. Example: "Given the current budget constraints, increasing the project scope is not a viable option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pushing him off the ship is not a viable option.

The New Yorker

Dredging is not a viable option; doing so only stirs up the pollutants.

The New Yorker

The impeachment of Mr Yanukovych does is not a viable option for now.

The Economist

By contrast, Mr. Parsons said that downloading movies "is not a viable option now or even in the near future".

The New York Times - Tech

However, leaving is not a viable option for many domestic workers who find themselves in unjust or abusive situations.

The Guardian

With our nation's economy still struggling under years of the president's policies, raising taxes is not a viable option.

The New York Times

Because the disease is spread by a particularly resilient type of protein, a prion, even incineration is not a viable option for the remains of infected cattle.

The New York Times

This report makes it clear that 'business as usual' is not a viable option for the fossil fuel industry in the long term.

The Guardian

"Capturing vaquitas to breed them would be far too risky and is not a viable option," Omar Vidal, the head of WWF-Mexico, told the Associated Press.

The Guardian

Now she is contemplating writing another book, stressing that moderation is not a viable option for people with serious alcohol problems, said her lawyer, John Crowley.

The New York Times

However, recent high profile campaigns against service cuts in health and social care have shown that bypassing or disregarding public opinion is not a viable option.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not a viable option", ensure that you clearly articulate the reasons why the option is not feasible. Providing context strengthens your argument and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is not a viable option" when the alternative is merely undesirable or inconvenient rather than truly impossible. Reserve this phrase for situations where the option is definitively unworkable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not a viable option" functions as a predicate adjective within a sentence. It asserts that a particular subject lacks feasibility or practicality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not a viable option" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not feasible or practical. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it serves to dismiss impractical solutions or choices. While alternatives like "is not a feasible choice" exist, "is not a viable option" remains a straightforward and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not a feasible choice

Focuses on the practicality and possibility of being carried out.

is not a practical solution

Highlights the lack of effectiveness in real-world situations.

is not a realistic alternative

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of being achieved or successful.

is not a workable solution

Stresses the impossibility of functioning effectively.

is not an applicable resolution

Highlights the lack of relevance or suitability.

is not an achievable goal

Focuses on the impossibility of attaining a specific target.

is out of the question

Implies that something is completely unacceptable or impossible.

is simply not possible

Emphasizes the absolute impossibility of something occurring.

is not a sustainable route

Highlights the lack of endurance or long-term feasibility.

is an unpromising avenue

Suggests a low probability of success or positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "is not a viable option" in a sentence?

Use "is not a viable option" to indicate that a particular choice or course of action is not practical or feasible due to certain limitations or constraints. For example, "Given the budget constraints, expanding the department this year "is not a viable option"".

What are some alternatives to "is not a viable option"?

You can use alternatives like "is not a feasible choice", "is not a practical solution", or "is not a realistic alternative" depending on the context.

What does it mean when something "is not a viable option"?

When something "is not a viable option", it means that it is not feasible, practical, or workable in a given situation. It implies that the option cannot be successfully implemented or achieved due to various reasons.

Is "is not a viable option" formal or informal?

"Is not a viable option" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, scientific papers, and everyday conversations to express that something is not feasible.