likely impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "likely impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something that is improbable, or almost seem impossible. For example, "It seems likely impossible that we can finish this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Obtaining PET data on brain glucose use across the full growing years in other closely related primates would be fascinating but difficult, and likely impossible for the more relevant comparative species like chimpanzees," he says.

Science Magazine

It is very likely impossible to get them off".

The Guardian

Those numbers are likely impossible to estimate with any precision, let alone compare.

Harvard University

It would be foolhardy and likely impossible to test every new innovation for every client.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, despite both individual and organizational efforts, it is likely impossible to align consumption abilities with production abilities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In English speaking world, the question is likely impossible to answer without considering the works of Peter Reyner Banham (1922 1988).

Frontiers of Architectural Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's likely almost impossible to say.

The Guardian - Sport

A similar trial in humans would likely be impossible.

Harvard University

Without a bipartisan deal, breaking a threatened Republican filibuster would most likely be impossible.

The New York Times

A traditional randomized controlled trial is the gold standard but is likely practically impossible or prohibitively expensive to use for a general evaluation of a HHMP.

Journal of Dairy Science

By looking at what sorts of organisms are most likely or impossible to develop, he explained, "evo-devo looks at the arrival of the fittest".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely impossible", consider the audience and context. In formal writing, alternatives like "highly improbable" or "virtually unachievable" may sound more professional. In informal contexts, "almost certainly not possible" may be suitable.

Common error

While "likely impossible" is grammatically sound, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "highly improbable" or restructuring your sentences to avoid the phrase altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely impossible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated noun. It qualifies the possibility of something occurring, indicating a low probability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to express improbability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely impossible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a high degree of improbability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. While it is prevalent in news, science, and academic contexts, its overuse should be avoided by varying your language. Alternatives such as "highly improbable" or "virtually unachievable" can provide more concise or impactful wording depending on the specific context. When using "likely impossible", consider the formality of your writing and choose the most appropriate synonym to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost certainly not possible

This alternative emphasizes a very high degree of improbability, bordering on certainty.

highly improbable

This phrase focuses on the low probability of something occurring.

virtually unachievable

This alternative highlights the extreme difficulty in reaching a specific goal.

realistically infeasible

This suggests that something is not practical or viable given the current circumstances.

practically unattainable

This emphasizes that while theoretically possible, the goal is out of reach.

scarcely conceivable

This alternative implies that something is difficult to imagine or accept.

unlikely to succeed

This phrase specifically addresses the probability of a positive outcome.

against all odds

This indicates a situation where success is possible but highly improbable.

hardly a chance

This expression highlights the minimal possibility of something happening.

not a snowball's chance in hell

This idiom signifies an extremely low or nonexistent possibility.

FAQs

What does "likely impossible" mean?

The phrase "likely impossible" means that something is considered very improbable or almost certain not to happen. It suggests a high degree of unlikelihood.

How can I use "likely impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "likely impossible" to describe a situation or outcome that is highly improbable. For example, "It's "likely impossible" that we will meet the deadline with the current resources."

What are some alternatives to "likely impossible"?

Alternatives to "likely impossible" include phrases such as "highly improbable", "virtually unachievable", or "almost certainly not possible".

Is it redundant to say "likely impossible"?

While "impossible" already implies a high degree of improbability, adding "likely" can emphasize the speaker's assessment or perspective on the situation. However, consider whether a more concise alternative like "highly improbable" might be more effective.