is virtually impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is nearly or almost impossible to achieve or accomplish. Example: "Given the current circumstances, completing the project on time is virtually impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is virtually impossible.

The Economist

Enforcement is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

"Insurgency is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

Pacing oneself, thus, is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

"Winning is virtually impossible," he would say.

The Economist

Finding parking nearby is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

Decision-making is virtually impossible.

The Guardian

Such proof is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

Swallowing the tongue is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

Distinguishing between the two, of course, is virtually impossible.

The Economist

"Developing a suspect out of that is virtually impossible".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually impossible" when you want to convey a strong sense of improbability without stating absolute impossibility. It acknowledges a slim chance while emphasizing the extreme difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually impossible" when a task is merely difficult but achievable with effort. Reserve it for situations where the obstacles are exceptionally high.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually impossible" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a very high degree of improbability. As Ludwig AI shows, this usage is widespread across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is virtually impossible" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a high degree of improbability. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various domains, including news, science, and business. While not stating absolute impossibility, it strongly suggests that achieving a particular outcome is exceedingly difficult. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the obstacles are genuinely significant. Consider using alternatives like "is almost unachievable" or "is practically unattainable" to subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost unachievable

Emphasizes the difficulty in achieving the goal, implying it's just shy of impossible.

is practically unattainable

Focuses on the lack of practical means to reach the goal.

is near to impossible

A more literal and slightly less common phrasing.

is effectively impossible

Highlights the outcome as if it were impossible, regardless of technicalities.

is as good as impossible

An idiomatic expression implying a very high probability of failure.

borders on impossibility

Suggests the situation is approaching the state of being impossible.

is out of the question

Indicates the action is not worth considering due to its impossibility.

has no chance of success

Focuses directly on the lack of likelihood of a positive outcome.

is a lost cause

Implies giving up because success is unattainable.

cannot be done

A straightforward, blunt way to state that something is impossible.

FAQs

What does "is virtually impossible" mean?

It means that something is so unlikely or difficult to achieve that it's practically impossible, although not technically or absolutely impossible.

What can I say instead of "is virtually impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "is almost unachievable", "is practically unattainable", or "is near to impossible" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is virtually impossible"?

Use it when you want to emphasize the extreme difficulty or improbability of something, while still acknowledging that there might be a theoretical chance of success.

Is "is virtually impossible" stronger than "is very difficult"?

Yes, "is virtually impossible" conveys a much stronger sense of improbability than "is very difficult". The former suggests it's incredibly unlikely to happen, whereas the latter implies it's challenging but still achievable.