is not possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not possible" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: "I'm sorry, but getting a refund for your purchase is not possible at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is not possible.

The New York Times

Anything is not possible.

The New York Times - Sports

Quantitative easing is not possible.

The Economist

"That is not possible anymore".

The New Yorker

"Socialism is not possible now".

The Economist

It is not possible, George".

The New Yorker

Sometimes evolution is not possible.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This isn't possible.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, this isn't possible.

The New York Times

It just isn't possible.

The Economist

But this isn't possible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not possible", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the action or outcome impossible. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid relying too heavily on "is not possible" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced alternatives like "is infeasible" or "remains unproven" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not possible" functions as a statement of impossibility. It asserts that a particular action, event, or outcome cannot occur or be achieved. As Ludwig confirms, this is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

25%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not possible" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote impossibility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it finds relevance across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and opt for more nuanced alternatives in formal writing, when appropriate. Common alternatives include "cannot be done", "is unachievable" and "is infeasible".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is simply impossible

Adds emphasis to the impossibility.

cannot be done

Emphasizes the inability to perform an action.

is unachievable

Highlights the lack of attainability.

is infeasible

Focuses on the impracticality of something.

is out of the question

Indicates a firm rejection or impossibility.

is not viable

Suggests the lack of sustainability or workability.

is beyond reach

Implies something is unattainable or inaccessible.

is unattainable

Similar to unachievable, stressing the inability to reach a goal.

is not an option

Indicates that something is not a permissible or available choice.

is unrealistic

Highlights the impractical nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is not possible" in a sentence?

Use "is not possible" to state that an action, event, or outcome cannot occur or be achieved. For example, "Achieving zero emissions in the next decade is not possible with current technology".

What are some alternatives to saying "is not possible"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "cannot be done", "is unachievable", or "is infeasible" to express impossibility.

Is it better to say "it is not possible" or "that is not possible"?

Both "it is not possible" and "that is not possible" are grammatically correct. "It is not possible" is more general, while "that is not possible" usually refers to a specific previously mentioned situation or idea.

What's the difference between "is not possible" and "is not probable"?

"Is not possible" indicates that something cannot happen under any circumstances. "Is not probable" /s/is+not+probable suggests that something is unlikely to happen but still has a chance of occurring.