it may be impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may be impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing doubt or uncertainty about the feasibility of a task or situation. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it may be impossible to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therefore it may be impossible to isolate the enzyme in its native form.

Energy and Environmental Sciences

It may be impossible.

The New York Times

The arithmetic suggests it may be impossible.

The Economist

But it may be impossible to stop".

The New York Times

It may be impossible to keep him out now.

The New York Times - Sports

It may be impossible to resolve some of these discrepancies.

The New York Times

For Mrs. Merkel, it may be impossible to satisfy everybody.

The New York Times

It may be impossible to overstate Harp's enthusiasm for baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

"It may be impossible to form viable eggs this year".

The New York Times

Indeed, gaining a proper understanding of it may be impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

It may be impossible, however, to remain above the fray.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it may be impossible", consider the audience and context. In formal settings, ensure your statement is supported by evidence or logical reasoning to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be impossible" when a task is merely difficult or challenging. Reserve this phrase for situations where the obstacles are so significant that success is highly improbable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be impossible" functions as a modal expression of uncertainty or low probability. It tempers a statement, indicating a strong likelihood of infeasibility without asserting absolute certainty. Ludwig AI examples confirm its use in various contexts where the outcome is highly doubtful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may be impossible" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong sense of doubt or improbability without asserting absolute certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communication. While alternatives like "it might be unfeasible" or "it could be unattainable" exist, the phrase remains a common and effective way to manage expectations and acknowledge potential limitations. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where success is genuinely highly improbable, to avoid overstating difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might be unfeasible

Replaces "may" with "might" and "impossible" with "unfeasible", softening the tone slightly.

it could be unattainable

Substitutes "may be impossible" with "could be unattainable", focusing on the lack of possibility of achieving a goal.

it is potentially unachievable

Replaces "may be" with "is potentially" and "impossible" with "unachievable", adding a degree of probability.

it is perhaps not viable

Uses "perhaps not viable" instead of "may be impossible", suggesting a lack of practicality or sustainability.

it is questionable whether it can be done

Expresses doubt about the feasibility of something using a more verbose and formal structure.

achieving it may not be realistic

Shifts the focus to the achievement and uses "not be realistic" instead of "impossible", implying a lack of practicality.

success may be out of reach

Emphasizes the difficulty of achieving success, using a more metaphorical expression.

it is unlikely to happen

Indicates a low probability of occurrence, rather than absolute impossibility.

chances of success are slim

Highlights the limited likelihood of a favorable outcome.

it borders on impossibility

Implies that something is very close to being impossible, but not quite.

FAQs

How can I use "it may be impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "it may be impossible" to express doubt about the feasibility of a task or situation. For example, "Given the current resources, "it may be impossible" to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "it may be impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "it might be unfeasible", "it could be unattainable", or "it is potentially unachievable" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it may be impossible" and "it is impossible"?

Yes, "it may be impossible" expresses doubt or uncertainty about the feasibility of something, while "it is impossible" states something as a definite certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "it may be impossible" in writing?

Use "it may be impossible" when you want to express a strong degree of doubt but want to leave open the possibility that it might still occur or be achieved. This is particularly useful when acknowledging significant challenges or obstacles.