it is hardly possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is hardly possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that something is very unlikely to happen. For example: "Given the current economic climate, it is hardly possible for the project to come in on-time and under budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As such it is hardly possible to generalise its findings to the rest of the Tanzanian districts.

BMC Health Services Research

Even when such systems are carefully managed, it is hardly possible to have a detailed knowledge about every user and all of his possibilities to interact with the system based on assigned permissions.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

However, it is hardly possible to separate the URD and MFDF effects in a practical multi-circuit outdoor coil.

Applied Thermal Engineering

And both help to create an atmosphere in which it is hardly possible to be too stridently Muslim.

The Economist

It is hardly possible to pick up a newspaper these days without confronting a story about the decline — the understandable decline — in charitable giving.

Columbia University

However, having the large amounts of data, it is hardly possible to process it manually and it also takes a long time to read all product reviews.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

A geologist might say: It is hardly possible to doubt that this great elevation has been effected by successive small uprisings … by an insensibly slow rise.

The New Yorker

It is hardly possible to name all of Pestalozzi's disciples the Pestalozzians for almost all the pedagogical figures of his time literally or figuratively went to his school.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is hardly possible to doubt that this great elevation has been effected by successive small uprisings … by an insensibly slow rise.

The New Yorker

From Lord Falconer to Lorraine Kelly it is hardly possible to move in public life without bumping into a Scot or six.

The Guardian

The crazy has so penetrated the logic that it is hardly possible to make the separate case against the truly crazy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is hardly possible" to express a strong sense of improbability without completely ruling out the possibility. This nuanced approach can be more effective than stating something is simply "impossible."

Common error

While "it is hardly possible" is acceptable, avoid overusing "hardly" and similar adverbs in very formal or academic writing. Instead, consider stronger, more direct language, such as "it is unlikely" or "it is improbable", for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is hardly possible" functions as a modal expression, indicating a low probability or a significant degree of difficulty. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts to temper expectations or express skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is hardly possible" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong sense of improbability without completely dismissing the chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, especially in science and news media. While a common expression, it's crucial to avoid overuse in favor of more direct language when aiming for impact. Consider alternatives such as "it is barely conceivable" or "it is virtually impossible" for varied expression. Remember that it's a modal expression functioning to express doubt and set realistic expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is barely conceivable

Emphasizes a minimal chance of something happening.

it is scarcely feasible

Highlights the difficulty in achieving or implementing something.

it is virtually impossible

Suggests near impossibility, leaving very little room for possibility.

it is almost out of the question

Indicates that something is highly unlikely or unacceptable.

it is improbable

A more formal and direct way of expressing that something is unlikely.

the odds are stacked against it

Focuses on the unfavorable conditions making success difficult.

it faces an uphill battle

Emphasizes the struggle and effort required to overcome obstacles.

it is a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success, often implying risk.

chances are slim

Directly states that the likelihood of success is low.

it's a remote possibility

Suggests that something is unlikely and distant from becoming reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is hardly possible" to express that something is very unlikely but not entirely impossible. For example, "Given the current circumstances, "it is hardly possible" to achieve our goals this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "it is hardly possible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is barely conceivable", "it is scarcely feasible", or "it is virtually impossible", depending on the level of improbability you want to convey.

Is "it is hardly possible" more or less emphatic than "it is impossible"?

"It is hardly possible" is less emphatic than "it is impossible". The former suggests a low probability, while the latter indicates complete impossibility.

When is it appropriate to use "it is hardly possible" in writing?

Use "it is hardly possible" when you want to express a strong doubt or low probability, but not necessarily a complete certainty of impossibility. It's suitable for situations where there's a small chance something could still occur, even if unlikely.