it would be almost impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be almost impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a high degree of difficulty in achieving something, suggesting that while it may not be entirely unfeasible, it is very close to that. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it would be almost impossible to meet the deadline without additional resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It would be almost impossible to perform in real time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Once lost, it would be almost impossible to restore.

The Guardian

It would be almost impossible to injure ourselves.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It would be almost impossible to overestimate the impact of this trial on the cam-pus.

Princeton University

"It would be almost impossible to place a price tag on reparations," he said.

The New York Times

It would be almost impossible to make an exhaustive survey of Islamic literatures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Of course it could be done," he said, and it would be almost impossible to prevent.

The New Yorker

"If I had to do it from zero it would be almost impossible".

The New York Times - Arts

"To me, it would be almost impossible to legislate it completely out of the game".

The New York Times - Sports

In actuality, it would be almost impossible to achieve these objectives simultaneously.

Harvard Business Review

"It would be almost impossible to assemble these resources" in new institutions, the report said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would be almost impossible" to convey a strong sense of unlikelihood, suggesting that while not theoretically impossible, the chances of success are extremely slim. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the daunting nature of a task or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be almost impossible" when a task is merely challenging but achievable with effort. Reserve this phrase for situations where the obstacles are truly formidable and the odds of success are exceptionally low. Otherwise, consider using a more tempered expression like "it would be very difficult."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be almost impossible" functions as an evaluative expression, used to convey a high degree of improbability or difficulty. It indicates that while not theoretically unattainable, the likelihood of success is exceptionally low, as seen in the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be almost impossible" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression to convey a strong sense of unlikelihood or extreme difficulty. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, academic, and general contexts. While not denoting absolute impossibility, it signifies that success is highly improbable due to significant obstacles. To maintain precision in writing, consider alternative expressions such as "it would be virtually impossible" or "it would be extremely difficult" to tailor the message to the exact shade of meaning you want to convey. Note that Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in written English. Use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for scenarios where the barriers are truly formidable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be virtually impossible

Emphasizes the near impossibility of the situation, focusing on the practical aspects.

it would be practically impossible

Highlights the lack of feasibility due to real-world constraints.

it would be nearly impossible

Suggests a close approach to impossibility, with a slight chance of success.

it would be hardly possible

Indicates a significant degree of difficulty, making success unlikely.

it would be essentially impossible

Focuses on the fundamental barriers that prevent achievement.

it would be almost unachievable

Highlights that the task has virtually no chance of being achieved.

it would be extremely difficult

Indicates a high level of difficulty, bordering on impossibility.

it would be out of the question

Implies that the possibility is not even worth considering.

it would be a lost cause

Suggests that any effort would be futile, with no chance of success.

it would be a pipe dream

Indicates an unrealistic or fanciful hope with no basis in reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "it would be almost impossible" to describe a situation where something is highly unlikely but not completely out of the realm of possibility. For example, "Given the current economic climate, it would be almost impossible to launch a successful startup without substantial funding."

What are some alternatives to "it would be almost impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "it would be virtually impossible", "it would be practically impossible", or "it would be nearly impossible" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "it would be almost impossible" and "it would be completely impossible"?

Yes, "it would be almost impossible" implies a very low probability of success, while "it would be completely impossible" suggests that success is entirely unattainable. The former leaves a small margin for potential success, however unlikely.

When is it appropriate to use "it would be almost impossible" versus "it would be very difficult"?

"It would be almost impossible" is appropriate when the obstacles are significant and success is highly improbable. "It would be very difficult" is suitable when the task is challenging but still reasonably achievable with effort and resources.