it nearly impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it nearly impossible" is not correct in English.
It should be "it is nearly impossible." You can use this phrase to express that something is very difficult or almost impossible to achieve. Example: "Without proper funding, it is nearly impossible to complete the project on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So Japanese firms find it nearly impossible to expand domestically.

The Economist

New companies have therefore found it nearly impossible to compete.

The New York Times

Some then found it nearly impossible to cancel the orders.

Independent

Sheer size makes it nearly impossible to avoid.

The New York Times - Sports

It is difficult to define, thereby rendering it nearly impossible to examine.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This makes it nearly impossible for many middle-class people to obtain loans.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It made it nearly impossible for the new field to command much respect.

Princeton University

But most hydroid experts find it nearly impossible to secure financing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's nearly impossible, and it can burst blood vessels.

WikiHow

It's nearly impossible.

The New York Times

Now it's nearly impossible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for correct grammar, ensure you use the complete phrase "it is nearly impossible" or "it's nearly impossible" for clarity and adherence to standard English. Using the contraction "it's" makes your writing more conversational.

Common error

Avoid omitting the verb "to be" (is) from the phrase. Saying just "it nearly impossible" is grammatically incorrect and can confuse readers. Always include "is" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it nearly impossible" functions as an incomplete sentence fragment. To be grammatically correct, it requires the addition of the verb "is" to form a complete clause. As Ludwig AI explains, the correct form is "it is nearly impossible."

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it nearly impossible" is grammatically incorrect, as it omits the necessary verb "is". According to Ludwig AI, the proper construction is "it is nearly impossible" or "it's nearly impossible". This correction is crucial for clarity and grammatical accuracy in both formal and informal contexts. While the phrase intends to express a high degree of difficulty, the omission renders it ineffective. Alternatives such as "it's almost impossible" and "it's virtually impossible" offer similar meanings, and ensuring correct grammar enhances the overall quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's almost impossible

Replaces "nearly" with "almost", keeping the meaning virtually identical.

it is virtually impossible

Substitutes "nearly" with "virtually", emphasizing the extremely high degree of difficulty.

it is practically impossible

Replaces "nearly" with "practically", indicating that the task is unachievable in practice.

it is close to impossible

Uses a different structure to express that something is very difficult and almost impossible.

it cannot be done

States directly that something is not feasible.

it's a tall order

Uses an idiom to describe a task that is very difficult to accomplish.

it's a Herculean task

Emphasizes the extreme difficulty by comparing it to the labors of Hercules.

it's out of the question

Indicates that something is not allowed or possible.

it's a lost cause

Expresses that there is no hope for success.

it's like trying to catch the wind

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the futility of the effort.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "it nearly impossible"?

The grammatically correct way to say "it nearly impossible" is "it is nearly impossible" or "it's nearly impossible". The phrase requires the verb "is" to be grammatically sound.

What does "it is nearly impossible" mean?

"It is nearly impossible" means that something is very difficult to achieve or accomplish; so close to impossible that success is unlikely. Synonyms include "it's almost impossible" and "it's virtually impossible".

Can I use "it nearly impossible" in formal writing?

No, "it nearly impossible" should not be used in formal writing. Always use the grammatically correct forms "it is nearly impossible" or "it's nearly impossible". In formal contexts, "it is nearly impossible" is preferred.

What are some alternatives to "it is nearly impossible"?

Some alternatives to "it is nearly impossible" include "it is virtually impossible", "it is practically impossible", or "it is close to impossible". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning while offering slight variations in emphasis.