it is hardly impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is hardly impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is very unlikely or difficult, but not completely out of the question. Example: "While the task is challenging, it is hardly impossible for a team with the right skills and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That is unlikely for the moment given Congressional dysfunction, as the justices certainly knew, but it is hardly impossible in the months and years to come.

The New York Times

It is hardly impossible to find more money for infrastructure.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it's hardly impossible: the Sox played.611 ball 99-633) from start to finish in 2005, their World Series year.

The New York Times - Sports

Countries remain armed and hostile, so war is hardly impossible.

The New York Times

It will be interesting to see if the American public actually supports this once they see the results (no more cheap gardeners, no more cheap vegetables, etc)., but the basic idea is hardly impossible to implement.

The New York Times

Sign up for the BuildingVICE, delivered to your inbox daily.

Vice

It is just impossible".

The New York Times

Qaddafi had been despised in the Arab world for decades; support in the region for his removal was hardly impossible to conjure.

The New Yorker

Last week against New England, he found Jake Ballard on the winning touchdown pass with 15 seconds remaining; two scores with more than 12 minutes to play was hardly impossible.

The New York Times - Sports

Celebration in this case was overwhelming, but there were a few questions raised about the bland rejection of the principle of presumption of innocence, particularly when trial was hardly impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is hardly statesmanship.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is hardly impossible" to express that a task or goal is challenging but achievable with effort and resources. It suggests a moderate level of difficulty that can be overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "it is hardly impossible" when you want to convey that something is very likely or almost certain. The phrase implies difficulty, so ensure that the context aligns with this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hardly impossible" functions as a modal expression, indicating a nuanced assessment of possibility. It suggests that while something may be difficult or unlikely, it is not entirely out of the question. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is hardly impossible" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey that something is difficult yet achievable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media, with some usage in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider the degree of difficulty you wish to express and whether a more formal alternative like "it is not entirely out of the question" might be more appropriate for certain audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's not entirely out of the question

Rephrases to emphasize possibility, subtly shifting from difficulty to potential.

it is quite feasible

Emphasizes the achievability and practicality, changing the focus from difficulty to possibility.

it's within the realm of possibility

Highlights the potential for something to occur, focusing on the bounds of what can happen.

it's not beyond the bounds of possibility

Similar to 'within the realm of possibility' but slightly more formal and emphatic about the possibility.

it remains a distinct possibility

Focuses on the continuing existence of a chance, stressing its clarity and separation.

it is still on the cards

Informal idiom suggesting an event is still being considered or is possible.

it is not necessarily unachievable

Double negative construction emphasizes the potential for success, but in a less direct way.

it is not completely unfeasible

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase with slightly different vocabulary, softening the emphasis on difficulty.

it is not out of the question

Directly states that something is possible, but with a focus on overcoming initial doubts.

it's conceivable

Suggests something is imaginable or believable, but not necessarily easy or probable.

FAQs

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

Use "it is hardly impossible" to convey that something is difficult but not entirely out of reach. For example, "While winning the championship is a long shot, "it is hardly impossible" for a team with determination."

What is a more formal alternative to "it is hardly impossible"?

A more formal alternative is "it is quite feasible". This phrase conveys a sense of possibility and practicality without being overly casual.

What's the difference between "it is almost impossible" and "it is hardly impossible"?

"It is almost impossible" suggests that something is very difficult and unlikely, whereas "it is hardly impossible" implies that it is challenging but still achievable with effort. The former suggests a higher degree of difficulty than the latter.

Can I use "it is hardly impossible" in academic writing?

Yes, "it is hardly impossible" can be used in academic writing, particularly when discussing potential outcomes or challenges in research. However, consider using a more formal alternative like "it is not entirely out of the question" depending on the specific context and tone required.