is practically impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is practically impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is very difficult to achieve or accomplish, though not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Example: "Completing the project in just one week is practically impossible given the scope of work involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"An uprising against the military right now is practically impossible.

The New Yorker

This is practically impossible due to time-consuming simulation of an actual reservoir.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

However, in distance education, the actual presence of students in laboratories is practically impossible.

IERI Procedia

However, due to the weak microcavity, emission enhancement using interference designs is practically impossible.

Diamond and Related Materials

However, due to the combinatorial explosion problem, exhaustive testing is practically impossible.

Information Sciences

Tracking the illicit arms trade is practically impossible, especially within the European Union's borderless Schengen Area.

The New Yorker

However, in distance education, the actual presence of the students in the laboratories is practically impossible.

Procedia Engineering

Unlike the U.S., in a country like France, it is practically impossible to fire someone.

The New York Times

In the current system, if one has not been productive, renewing a grant is practically impossible.

The Guardian

It is practically impossible to look honest on television without denture caps.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And it is practically impossible to be removed from the secret list.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is practically impossible" to convey a strong sense of improbability while acknowledging a remote possibility. Avoid using it when something is absolutely impossible.

Common error

Don't use "is practically impossible" when a situation is definitively impossible. The phrase implies a tiny chance of success, so ensure the context reflects that nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is practically impossible" functions as an adjective phrase that qualifies a noun or situation, expressing a high degree of improbability. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and semantic understanding. Examples show it is often followed by "due to", indicating the reason for the near impossibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is practically impossible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe situations that are highly improbable, though not entirely impossible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's prevalent across various domains, including science, news, and business, indicating its versatility in formal and neutral registers. While similar phrases like "is virtually impossible" exist, the key is to use it accurately, ensuring the context reflects a situation that is extremely difficult but still theoretically achievable. The high source quality and expert rating further validate its reliability and appropriateness in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually impossible

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty, suggesting it's hard to imagine it happening.

is as good as impossible

Directly compares it to impossibility, suggesting it's highly unlikely.

is almost unachievable

Highlights the difficulty in achieving something, but leaves a slight chance of success.

is close to impossible

Indicates it is on the verge of being completely impossible, with minimal chance of success.

is nearly unattainable

Focuses on the high level of effort and resources required, making it difficult to reach.

borders on impossibility

Highlights the proximity to being an impossible task or situation.

is unrealistic

Points out the impractical nature of the situation, suggesting it's not feasible in reality.

is out of the question

Indicates that something is not worth considering because it is not possible or suitable.

is beyond reach

Implies something cannot be obtained or achieved.

is a long shot

Highlights the low probability of something happening or being successful.

FAQs

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

You can use "is practically impossible" to describe a task or situation that is extremely difficult but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. For example, "Completing this project in one day "is practically impossible" given the current resources".

What are some alternatives to "is practically impossible"?

Alternatives include "is virtually impossible", "is almost unachievable", or "is nearly unattainable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is practically impossible"?

Yes, "is practically impossible" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

What's the difference between "is practically impossible" and "is completely impossible"?

"Is practically impossible" suggests a very low probability of success, while "is completely impossible" means there is absolutely no chance of success. The former leaves a tiny window of possibility, however small.