looks impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing doubt or skepticism about the feasibility of a task or situation. Example: "At first glance, the project looks impossible, but with the right resources, we might be able to make it work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That looks impossible.

The Economist

Yet this looks impossible.

The Economist

That now looks impossible.

The Economist

Survival looks impossible.

The Guardian - Sport

At this moment that society looks impossible.

The New York Times

For the foreseeable future, that looks impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

A dissolution of the nation no longer looks impossible.

The Economist

A two-state Israeli-Palestinian peace looks impossible.

The New York Times

The government's inflation target of 4.8% this year looks impossible.

The Guardian

"It looks impossible but mathematically he could still do it".

The Guardian - Sport

The project looks impossible, like trying to swim up a waterfall.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks impossible" to convey a strong sense of improbability or difficulty, but be mindful that it might sound overly negative in contexts where a more optimistic tone is desired. Consider alternatives like "presents a challenge" or "seems unlikely" when a softer approach is needed.

Common error

While "looks impossible" effectively communicates a high degree of difficulty, avoid using it in situations where a positive outlook is crucial. For instance, in motivational speeches or team briefings, opt for phrases that acknowledge the challenge while still fostering hope and determination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks impossible" typically functions as a subjective assessment, expressing an opinion about the feasibility of a particular situation or task. It often serves as a comment or observation, as illustrated by many examples Ludwig provides. Ludwig AI states that the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "looks impossible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a strong sense of improbability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for general use. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its function is to express doubt or skepticism about a situation or task. While effective, consider using it judiciously in scenarios requiring optimism, and be prepared to offer alternatives like "seems unlikely" or "presents a challenge", depending on the nuance you wish to achieve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems unattainable

This suggests the goal is beyond reach, emphasizing distance.

appears unachievable

This focuses on the lack of current possibility of achieving something.

seems infeasible

This highlights the impracticality of the situation, often due to circumstances.

appears hopeless

Implies a lack of hope or optimism for a positive outcome.

seems unrealistic

This suggests the scenario isn't grounded in reality.

presents a challenge

Frames it as a difficult but potentially surmountable hurdle, downplaying impossibility.

is highly improbable

This suggests that something is unlikely to happen.

is out of the question

Indicates something is not worth consideration.

borders on fantasy

Expresses a sense of unreality and detachment from the practical.

is pie in the sky

Expresses a sense of unreality and detachment from the practical.

FAQs

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

You can use "looks impossible" to describe a situation or task that seems very difficult or unlikely to succeed. For example, "Achieving world peace "looks impossible" given current global tensions."

What are some alternatives to "looks impossible"?

Some alternatives to "looks impossible" include "seems unlikely", "appears unachievable", or "seems infeasible". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "looks impossible" too negative for certain situations?

Yes, "looks impossible" can be quite negative. In situations where you want to express doubt but also maintain a degree of optimism, consider using softer phrases like "presents a challenge" or "seems difficult" instead.

What's the difference between "looks impossible" and "is impossible"?

"Looks impossible" suggests something appears to be impossible based on current evidence or circumstances, but there's still a slight chance it could be done. "Is impossible" is a more definitive statement, implying there's no way the task can be accomplished.