Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

it's practically impossible
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Alternative expressions(8)

it's almost impossible

it's nearly impossible

it's out of the question

it cannot be done

it's a lost cause

it's a long shot

chances are slim

it might never happen

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although it's practically impossible to define "GMOs," in practice it's become shorthand for any organism with traits created with modern biotechnology.

News & Media

Forbes

It's practically impossible to mess up Charles Dickens's archetypal yuletide yarn, but there are so many versions (with Reginald Owen, Alastair Sim, Albert Finney, George C. Scott, etc., etc).

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

San Gimignano's spiky towers are visible for miles around – it's practically impossible to get lost.

News & Media

The Guardian - Travel

"It's practically impossible to solve the problems internally," said Mbiya Mabere Sabwa, the railroad's deputy chief executive.

News & Media

The New York Times

But it's practically impossible.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It's practically impossible to run against entrenched power," she said.

News & Media

The New York Times

No, honestly — it's practically impossible, especially in an age of cyclical nostalgia and Internet-assisted memories.

News & Media

The New York Times - Arts

It's practically impossible, but Half the Sky does make you want to try.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So now it's practically impossible for clerics to preach moderation and patience".

News & Media

The New York Times

Once you lose it, it's practically impossible to get it back".

News & Media

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it is practically impossible to ascertain when Flaubert's self-mockery is contrived, and to resist its subversiveness.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's practically impossible", ensure the context highlights a significant challenge or a very low probability of success, not an absolute impossibility. Use it to temper expectations and acknowledge difficulty without completely ruling out the possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it's practically impossible" when a task is merely difficult or inconvenient. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the odds of success are exceptionally low, bordering on zero. If something is only slightly challenging, consider using phrases like "it's quite difficult" or "it's a major challenge" instead.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's practically impossible" functions as a modal expression, indicating a strong degree of improbability or difficulty. It serves to temper expectations and acknowledge the challenges involved, without definitively ruling out the possibility of success. Ludwig examples show this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

Less common in

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's practically impossible" is a versatile expression used to convey a high degree of improbability or difficulty, as confirmed by Ludwig's extensive collection of examples from diverse sources. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the odds of success are truly slim. Alternatives such as ""it's virtually impossible"" or ""it's almost impossible"" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Overall, mastering the art of using this phrase enhances one's ability to communicate realistic assessments and manage expectations effectively.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's virtually impossible

Replaces "practically" with "virtually", emphasizing the near impossibility.

it's almost impossible

Substitutes "practically" with "almost", slightly reducing the strength of the statement.

it's nearly impossible

Replaces "practically" with "nearly", indicating a close proximity to impossibility.

it's basically impossible

Replaces "practically" with "basically", suggesting a fundamental impossibility.

it's pretty much impossible

Uses a more informal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

it's just about impossible

Highlights the extreme difficulty, implying a near impossibility.

it's out of the question

Expresses that something is not worth considering because it is unacceptable or impossible.

it cannot be done

A more direct way of stating that something is impossible.

it's unachievable

Focuses on the inability to achieve a particular goal or outcome.

it's a lost cause

Indicates that further effort is unlikely to yield positive results.

FAQs

What does "it's practically impossible" mean?

The phrase "it's practically impossible" means that something is very unlikely or difficult to achieve, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. It suggests a high degree of improbability.

Are there any synonyms for "it's practically impossible"?

Yes, some synonyms include "it's virtually impossible", "it's almost impossible", or "it's nearly impossible". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "it's practically impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "it's practically impossible" to describe tasks or goals that are extremely difficult to accomplish. For example, "It's practically impossible to find an apartment in New York City within that budget."

Is there a difference between "it's practically impossible" and "it's impossible"?

Yes, "it's practically impossible" implies a very low probability of success but acknowledges that there might be a slight chance, however small. "It's impossible", on the other hand, asserts that something cannot be done under any circumstances.

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Continue with Googlefor free

Continue with emailfor free

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

1-200 1k 2k 3k 4k 5k 7k 10k 20k 40k 100k 200k 500k 0m-3 0m-4 1m-1 1m-2 1m-3 1m-4

it's practically impossibleGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

it's practically impossible
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples