is somewhat impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is somewhat impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is very difficult or nearly impossible to achieve, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Example: "Completing the project in just one day is somewhat impossible given the amount of work required."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is somewhat impossible to define a general methodology for optimizing all structural problems.

Computers & Structures

Balance implies that your attention and focus is evenly distributed which is somewhat impossible when, as an entrepreneur, no two days are the same.

Vice

Therefore, determining what phase the cells are in will help decide what time point is best for sampling; this however is somewhat impossible for in vivo experiments but useful for in vitro validation studies.

Analytical Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Opening a new business in Greece is well nigh impossible; closing one is somewhat easier.Greek companies are constrained by a raft of what locals call "counter-incentives"—laws and bureaucratic hurdles that make it hard to do business.

The Economist

The fourth dimension is impossible to imagine, but playing with its rotation makes is somewhat understandable.

Vice

Several hundred of these positions are illegal, impossible, or symmetrical reflections of each other, so the actual number is somewhat smaller.

Wikipedia

He is somewhat dark.

The New Yorker

(This is somewhat surprising).

The New Yorker

Cannondale is somewhat unusual.

The New York Times - Sports

Nachman is somewhat jealous.

The New Yorker

Reality is somewhat different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is somewhat impossible" to acknowledge the difficulty of a task while leaving room for potential, albeit unlikely, success. This can soften the impact compared to stating something is simply "impossible".

Common error

Avoid using "is somewhat impossible" when something is definitively impossible. Overusing this phrase can dilute its meaning, so reserve it for scenarios where a glimmer of possibility exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is somewhat impossible" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject and indicating a state of near impossibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests that while something is very difficult, it's not entirely beyond the realm of possibility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is somewhat impossible" serves to express a high degree of difficulty without entirely ruling out the possibility of success. While grammatically correct and acceptable according to Ludwig AI, its frequency is rare. It finds use in various contexts, including science and news media. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where a task is exceptionally challenging, but not definitively unattainable. Remember to consider alternatives like "is nearly impossible" or "is highly improbable" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearly impossible

Indicates a high degree of difficulty, almost to the point of impossibility; stronger than "somewhat impossible".

is almost impossible

Very similar to "nearly impossible", suggesting a very slim chance of success.

is quite impossible

Emphasizes the impossibility more strongly than "somewhat impossible".

borders on impossible

Suggests that something is very close to being impossible, highlighting the extreme difficulty.

is highly improbable

Shifts the focus to probability rather than possibility, suggesting a low likelihood of occurrence.

is scarcely feasible

Focuses on the practicality of something, suggesting it is unlikely to be achieved in reality.

is barely possible

Suggests that something is only possible with great difficulty or under very specific circumstances.

is remotely possible

Indicates a very slight chance of possibility, often used sarcastically.

presents significant challenges

Replaces the notion of impossibility with the idea of substantial difficulties, softening the statement.

faces considerable obstacles

Similar to the above, focusing on the difficulties involved rather than outright impossibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "is somewhat impossible" to describe a task or situation that is very difficult but not entirely out of reach. For example: "Completing the project by tomorrow is somewhat impossible with the current resources."

What are some alternatives to "is somewhat impossible"?

Alternatives include "is nearly impossible", "is highly improbable", or "borders on impossible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "somewhat impossible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "somewhat impossible" is grammatically correct. It combines the adverb "somewhat" with the adjective "impossible" to modify the degree of impossibility.

When is it appropriate to use "is somewhat impossible" versus "is impossible"?

"Is somewhat impossible" suggests a very high level of difficulty, but not absolute impossibility. Use "is impossible" when there is no chance of success. For instance, "reversing time "is impossible"", while "finishing the report today "is somewhat impossible" with all these meetings".