it is virtually impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is virtually impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is extremely difficult or nearly unattainable. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it is virtually impossible to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These days, especially downtown, it is virtually impossible.

The New Yorker

It is virtually impossible to see on a standard atlas.

The New York Times

"It is virtually impossible to do anything productive with offenders on short sentences," he said.

The Economist

And once something is online, it is virtually impossible to ensure that all copies are deleted.

The Economist

Today it is virtually impossible to picture what the house looked like in its earlier incarnation.

The New York Times

It is virtually impossible to attempt a unitary characterization of nonfictional prose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some days, it is virtually impossible to remain stoic, or silent.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, it is virtually impossible to make unauthorized connections to them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is virtually impossible for a foreigner to practise Indian law.

The Economist

Police chiefs say that, as the law stands, it is virtually impossible to convict these people.

The Economist

It is virtually impossible to make generalizations as to the occurrence of the native elements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is virtually impossible" to convey a strong sense of unlikelihood or extreme difficulty, but reserve it for situations where success is not absolutely ruled out. It implies a slim chance remains.

Common error

Avoid using "it is virtually impossible" when you mean something is completely impossible. The phrase implies a very slight chance of success, so choose stronger language like "completely impossible" if there is truly no chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is virtually impossible" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied or stated action or event, describing it as being extremely unlikely or difficult to achieve. As shown in the Ludwig examples, the phrase is used to temper statements about the feasibility of certain outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is virtually impossible" is a common phrase used to express a high degree of difficulty or improbability. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While widely accepted, it's crucial to understand that it suggests a slim possibility remains, distinguishing it from absolute impossibility. When selecting alternatives, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and the formality of the setting. The provided alternatives offer a range of options, from the nearly synonymous "it is almost impossible" to the more decisive "it is out of the question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is almost impossible

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "virtually" with "almost" to convey a similar degree of difficulty.

it is nearly impossible

This alternative uses "nearly" instead of "virtually", indicating something is very close to being impossible.

it is practically impossible

This alternative replaces "virtually" with "practically", suggesting impossibility in a practical sense.

it is effectively impossible

This alternative uses "effectively" to highlight that the outcome is the same as if it were impossible.

it is all but impossible

This alternative emphasizes that only a very small chance of success remains.

it is as good as impossible

This alternative is an idiom that suggests a situation is so unlikely it's practically impossible.

it borders on impossible

This alternative implies that the situation is very close to being impossible.

it is out of the question

This alternative is a more decisive way of saying something is not allowed or not possible.

it is beyond reach

This alternative is more metaphorical, suggesting the goal or action is unattainable.

there's no way

This alternative is a very informal way of expressing impossibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is virtually impossible" to describe something that is extremely difficult or unlikely to happen. For example, "It is virtually impossible to predict the future with complete accuracy."

What's a more formal alternative to "it is virtually impossible"?

A more formal alternative could be "it is exceedingly difficult" or "it presents insurmountable challenges". Consider the context and your audience when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

Is "it is virtually impossible" the same as "it is completely impossible"?

No, "it is virtually impossible" implies a very slight chance of success, while "it is completely impossible" means there is absolutely no chance.

What are some other phrases similar to "it is virtually impossible"?

Other similar phrases include "it is almost impossible", "it is nearly impossible", and "it is practically impossible". The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.