nigh-on impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nigh-on impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly or almost impossible to achieve or accomplish. Example: "Completing the project in just one week is nigh-on impossible given the scope of work involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The humid conditions meant that was nigh-on impossible.

Independent

"It's extremely difficult, nigh-on impossible in our view".

Independent

Avoiding every hint of conflict is nigh-on impossible.

The Economist

It would make taking lawful industrial action nigh-on impossible.

The Guardian

It is also nigh-on impossible to counter.

The Guardian - Sport

Unfortunately, duplicating these under controlled conditions has proved nigh-on impossible.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Right now, it is nigh on impossible.

The Economist

Recouping the outlay is also nigh on impossible.

The Guardian

I just think it's nigh on impossible now".

The Guardian - Sport

Played on a cramped DS screen, getting the right angles is nigh on impossible.

Independent

It is nigh on impossible for firms to quantify the cost of crimes such as theft.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nigh-on impossible" when you want to emphasize that something is extremely difficult, to the point of being almost unachievable. It adds a slightly more informal tone than "virtually impossible" but is still suitable for many contexts.

Common error

While "nigh-on impossible" is widely understood, it can sound slightly informal or colloquial. In highly formal documents or academic papers, consider opting for alternatives like "virtually impossible" or "practically impossible" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nigh-on impossible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something that is almost impossible or extremely difficult. It acts as an intensifier, emphasizing the degree of difficulty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nigh-on impossible" is a commonly used expression to describe something that is extremely difficult or nearly impossible. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally acceptable, slightly more formal alternatives like "virtually impossible" may be preferred in academic or highly formal settings. The phrase functions as an adjective, serving to intensify the perceived difficulty or infeasibility of a situation. With a strong presence in authoritative sources, "nigh-on impossible" remains a valuable and readily understood term for expressing near impossibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually impossible

Emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of something happening.

practically impossible

Highlights the real-world obstacles making something unachievable.

almost impossible

Indicates a very high degree of difficulty, nearing impossibility.

next to impossible

Stresses the minimal chance of success.

essentially impossible

Focuses on the fundamental reasons why something cannot be done.

for all intents and purposes, impossible

Adds a layer of formality to the expression of impossibility.

as good as impossible

Implies that although not strictly impossible, the outcome is predetermined.

out of the question

Indicates something is not permissible or feasible.

beyond the realm of possibility

Highlights the unlikelihood and implausibility.

inconceivable

Implies that something is so unlikely that is is difficult to imagine.

FAQs

What does "nigh-on impossible" mean?

The phrase "nigh-on impossible" means something is very close to being impossible. It suggests a high degree of difficulty, making success extremely unlikely.

Is it appropriate to use "nigh-on impossible" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using "nigh-on impossible" in highly formal contexts might be less suitable. Alternatives like "virtually impossible" or "practically impossible" may be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "nigh-on impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually impossible", "almost impossible", or "next to impossible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "nigh-on impossible" in a sentence?

You might say, "Completing the project on that timeline is "nigh-on impossible"", or "Finding a solution to that problem seems "nigh-on impossible" at the moment."