not a possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"not a possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that something cannot happen or does not exist as a feasible option. For example: "Exploring deeper into the cave is not a possibility; it is too dangerous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Europe is not a possibility.

Independent

Sometimes it's not a possibility.

Harvard Business Review

"That's not a possibility," she said.

The Guardian

"It's not a possibility, it's a probability.

The Guardian

The Yankees, Cooper said, are not a possibility for Lemke.

The New York Times - Sports

"Bankruptcy is not a possibility at all," Mr. Legere said.

The New York Times

But suing the government is not a possibility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That is, the waiter knows that z is not a possibility.

SEP

That's not a possibility.

The New Yorker

I'm never going to say something's not a possibility.

Huffington Post

"I understand that is not a possibility for all of you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a possibility" to clearly and directly state that something cannot or will not happen. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "not a possibility" is a valid expression, avoid relying on it excessively. Vary your language by using alternatives like "impossible" or "unlikely" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a possibility" functions as a negative predicate adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to express that something is impossible or unfeasible. Ludwig demonstrates its usage in diverse contexts to negate a potential outcome or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a possibility" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves to negate a potential outcome or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and general writing. While effective, varying your language with alternatives like ""impossible"" or ""unlikely"" can enhance your writing. Remember, this phrase provides a direct way to state that something cannot or will not occur, making it a valuable tool in clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of the question

Emphasizes a firm rejection or impossibility.

not an option

Focuses on the lack of choice or availability.

inconceivable

Highlights the unthinkableness or improbability of something.

unthinkable

Stresses the unacceptability or outrageousness of an event.

impossible

Directly states the inability for something to occur.

not feasible

Focuses on the impracticality or unworkability of a plan.

not viable

Similar to 'not feasible', but often used in a more business-oriented context.

ruled out

Suggests something has been deliberately excluded as a choice.

beyond the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is extremely unlikely to happen.

no chance

Indicates a very low likelihood of success or occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "not a possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "not a possibility" to express that something is unfeasible or impossible. For example: "Achieving that goal in such a short time is "not a possibility"".

What are some alternatives to "not a possibility"?

Instead of "not a possibility", you could use alternatives like "impossible", "unlikely", or "out of the question" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "not a possibility" or "impossible"?

"Impossible" is generally more direct and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. "Not a possibility" tends to be slightly more conversational, although it's still appropriate in many formal settings.

Can "not a possibility" be used for hypothetical situations?

Yes, "not a possibility" can be used when discussing hypothetical situations to express that a particular outcome is unachievable or unrealistic. For instance: "Even if we had unlimited resources, time travel is "not a possibility" with current technology".