it is almost impossible for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is almost impossible for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a high degree of difficulty in achieving something or for someone to do something. Example: "It is almost impossible for me to finish this project without additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, it is almost impossible for an outsider to second-guess its utterances.

The Economist

It is almost impossible for management to run the system.

University of California, Berkeley

It is almost impossible for him to admit disturbing evidence.

The New Yorker

"It is almost impossible for bankers to accept it.

The Guardian

But it is almost impossible for Afghan refugees to get official status.

The New York Times

It is almost impossible for him to publish inside the country.

The New Yorker

So it is almost impossible for the reader not to oversimplify events.

The New York Times - Books

The lesson: It is almost impossible for an occupying power to build a nation.

The New York Times

It is almost impossible for these ninth graders to deal with high school content.

The New York Times

In part, this is because it is almost impossible for NGOs to measure success.

The Guardian

"It is almost impossible for us to continue with this business".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider softening the phrase if the situation is not truly impossible but merely highly improbable. Alternatives like "highly unlikely" or "extremely difficult" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it is almost impossible for" when the situation allows for even a slight chance of success. Overstating impossibility can weaken your credibility if evidence suggests otherwise. Use qualifiers such as "highly improbable" for more nuanced communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is almost impossible for" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a high degree of improbability or difficulty. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to convey that an outcome is extremely unlikely without being absolutely certain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is almost impossible for" serves as a powerful tool to express a high degree of improbability or difficulty. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various audiences. While it conveys a strong sense of unlikelihood, remember to ensure that such language reflects genuine improbability, rather than mere challenge. Choose alternatives like "it is nearly impossible for" or "it is highly unlikely that" when a situation is not strictly impossible. Understanding these subtleties ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is nearly impossible for

Replaces "almost" with "nearly", slightly altering the degree of impossibility.

it is practically impossible for

Substitutes "almost" with "practically", emphasizing the real-world difficulty.

it is virtually impossible for

Uses "virtually" instead of "almost", indicating that it is so close to impossible as to make no difference.

it is basically impossible for

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

it is exceedingly difficult for

Shifts the focus to difficulty rather than impossibility, softening the statement.

it is extremely hard for

Emphasizes the high level of difficulty involved.

it is a long shot for

Indicates a low probability of success or achievement.

it is unlikely for

Uses a more direct and less emphatic expression of improbability.

the chances are slim for

Focuses on the low probability of something happening.

there is little hope for

Conveys a pessimistic outlook with minimal expectation of a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it is almost impossible for" in a sentence?

Use "it is almost impossible for" to describe situations where success is highly improbable due to significant obstacles. For example, "It is almost impossible for a small business to compete with large corporations without substantial investment".

What are some alternatives to "it is almost impossible for"?

Alternatives include "it is nearly impossible for", "it is highly unlikely that", or "it is extremely difficult for", depending on the desired level of emphasis.

Is it better to say "it is almost impossible for" or "it is completely impossible for"?

The choice depends on the context. "It is almost impossible for" implies a very low probability but not absolute impossibility. "It is completely impossible for" suggests no chance of success whatsoever. Using "it is almost impossible for" acknowledges a remote possibility.

When should I avoid using the phrase "it is almost impossible for"?

Avoid using "it is almost impossible for" when the situation is merely challenging but not improbable. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Consider using phrases like "it is very difficult for" or "it is challenging for" instead.