it was never possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was never possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation when something did not happen or never could happen. For example: "It was never possible to reach an agreement on the issue of gun control."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

However, due to its limitations in throughput and relatively high costs, it was never possible to sequence a large number of genes and samples.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Before it even started to function, however, it would receive a blow so severe that it was never possible to apply the system as its founders had intended.

Britannica

It was never possible to stop an Iranian nuclear arsenal by confrontation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ogletree added, "We should have been able to close the deal, but it was never possible.

The New Yorker

I can only say that these efforts on my part were continued, but unfortunately it was never possible to put them into effect.

Yale University

It was never possible again for me to think of going out to play while a World Cup game was going on.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The conventional wisdom is that it is never possible to "time the market".

The Guardian - Business

She knows it is never possible for a child to know a parent completely.

The Guardian - Books

It is never possible to come here without having your faith in the future renewed.

The Guardian

He showed that it is never possible to fool any of the people when it comes to musical authenticity.

Independent

It is never possible to be absolutely sure what is going on in the mind of a cat.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was never possible", ensure the context clearly explains why the event or action was not achievable. Provide specific reasons or conditions to strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it was never possible" without providing context. Saying "it was never possible" without explanation can sound dismissive or confusing. Always clarify the constraints or reasons behind the impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was never possible" functions as an impersonal construction to express the impossibility of a past action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively conveys that something could not be achieved under any circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was never possible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that something could not be achieved in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is often found in neutral contexts like News & Media and Scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure you provide adequate context to explain the impossibility. Alternatives like "it was not feasible" or "it was unattainable" can be used to vary your writing while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was simply impossible

Adds "simply" for emphasis, reinforcing the impossibility.

it could not be done

Uses a different verb construction to express the same impossibility.

it was not feasible

Changes "possible" to "feasible", focusing on practicality and attainability.

it was unattainable

Replaces "possible" with "unattainable", highlighting the impossibility of achieving something.

it was out of the question

Indicates something was not allowed or considered.

achievement was beyond reach

Expresses that achieving something was beyond reach.

it remained unachieved

Focuses on the continuous state of not being achieved.

realization never materialized

Indicates something never came to fruition.

success proved elusive

Suggests success was difficult to obtain.

completion wasn't in the cards

Implies that something was not destined to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "it was never possible" in a sentence?

Use "it was never possible" to indicate that something could not be done or achieved in the past, often due to specific circumstances or limitations. For example, "It was never possible to obtain a clear signal due to the interference".

What are some alternatives to "it was never possible"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was not feasible", "it was unattainable", or "it was simply impossible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "it was never possible" and "it was not possible"?

"It was never possible" emphasizes that something was consistently impossible over a period of time, while "it was not possible" simply states that something could not be done at a particular moment. The former implies a more permanent condition.

Is "it was never possible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was never possible" is grammatically correct. It's a standard English construction used to express that something could not be achieved at any point in the past.