may not be possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"may not be possible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in sentences to indicate that something is unlikely or difficult to achieve. For example, "Due to the complexity of the project, meeting the deadline may not be possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may not be possible.

The Economist

That may not be possible".

The New York Times

It may not be possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Sometimes progress may not be possible".

Independent

I repeat: It may not be possible.

The New York Times

But historical understanding may not be possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that may not be possible.

The New York Times

"Occasionally, however, that may not be possible.

The Guardian

It may not be possible to prevent.

The Guardian

Personal responses may not be possible.

The Washington Post

"It may not be possible to identify all of them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may not be possible", consider providing a brief explanation of why something is unlikely to happen. This adds clarity and context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "may not be possible" when a situation is simply difficult or challenging, but not truly impossible. Instead, consider using softer phrases like "might be difficult" or "could be challenging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may not be possible" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a judgment about the feasibility or likelihood of a particular action or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may not be possible" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey uncertainty about the feasibility of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, scientific articles, and formal business communications. When using this phrase, it is important to consider the context and provide additional information to clarify the reasons behind the uncertainty. Alternatives like "might not be feasible" or "is unlikely to happen" can be used to express similar ideas with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not be feasible

Emphasizes practicality and whether something can be realistically done.

might not be viable

Focuses on the ability of something to succeed or sustain itself.

could prove unachievable

Highlights the potential difficulty or inability to reach a desired outcome.

is unlikely to happen

Expresses a low probability of an event occurring.

is hardly conceivable

Suggests that something is difficult to imagine or believe.

isn't within the realm of possibility

Indicates that something is outside the scope of what is realistically attainable.

remains improbable

Highlights that an event or outcome is not likely to occur.

cannot be done

A more direct way of expressing impossibility.

is out of the question

Implies that something is not worth considering because it is not possible or acceptable.

is a long shot

Suggests that something has a very low chance of success.

FAQs

What does "may not be possible" mean?

The phrase "may not be possible" indicates that something is unlikely or difficult to achieve, but not entirely impossible. It expresses a degree of uncertainty about the feasibility of an action or outcome.

How can I use "may not be possible" in a sentence?

You can use "may not be possible" to express doubt or uncertainty about the feasibility of something. For example, "Due to budget constraints, completing the project on time "may not be possible"".

What are some alternatives to "may not be possible"?

Alternatives to "may not be possible" include phrases like "might not be feasible", "could prove unachievable", or "is unlikely to happen", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "may not be possible" and "is impossible"?

"May not be possible" suggests a degree of uncertainty and a possibility, however small, that something could still occur. "Is impossible" indicates that something is definitely not able to happen or be achieved. The former leaves room for potential changes or unexpected circumstances, while the latter is definitive.