it was impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something could not be done or achieved in a particular situation. Example: "Despite our best efforts, it was impossible to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It was impossible".

The New York Times

But it was impossible.

The New Yorker

It was impossible to say.

The New Yorker

It was impossible to vacuum".

The New Yorker

It was impossible to sleep.

The New Yorker

"It was impossible," he recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sometimes, it is impossible.

The New York Times

Translation: it's impossible.

The New York Times

It is impossible.

The New York Times

Often it is impossible.

The New York Times

Basically, it's impossible.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was impossible" to clearly and directly state the infeasibility of an action or event. Ensure the context provides a reason or explanation for the impossibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it was impossible" as a vague statement. Always provide context or reasons why something was impossible to avoid confusing the reader or undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was impossible" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It asserts the inability to perform an action or the infeasibility of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in expressing impossibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was impossible" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the inability to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use. It is primarily found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides a clear reason for the impossibility to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "it was unachievable" or "it could not be done" can be used depending on the specific context to further refine the intended meaning. The phrase is appropriate for neutral to formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unachievable

Replaces "impossible" with a synonym that emphasizes the lack of possibility of achievement.

it was simply not possible

Adds emphasis to the impossibility by using "simply not".

it proved to be unfeasible

Indicates that after consideration or attempts, the task was found not practical or viable.

it could not be done

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing impossibility.

it was out of the question

Suggests that something was not allowed or considered acceptable.

there was no way to

Emphasizes the lack of any method or means to accomplish something.

it was beyond reach

Highlights the unattainability of a goal or objective.

it defied all attempts

Implies that numerous efforts were made, but all failed.

circumstances prevented it

Shifts focus to external factors that made something impossible.

the task was insurmountable

Indicates the task was too great to overcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it was impossible" in a sentence?

Use "it was impossible" to indicate that something could not be achieved or done. For example, "Despite our efforts, "it was impossible" to save the company."

What are some alternatives to "it was impossible"?

You can use phrases like "it was unachievable", "it was unfeasible", or "it could not be done" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was impossible" too strong of a statement?

The strength of the phrase depends on the context. If something truly could not be done, then it is appropriate. If there were only significant challenges, a milder phrase like "it was very difficult" might be better.

What's the difference between "it was impossible" and "it was unlikely"?

"It was impossible" means something could not happen under any circumstances. "It was unlikely" means it was improbable but still possible. The key difference is certainty versus probability.