not a viable option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a viable option" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing choices or alternatives that are impractical or unfeasible in a given context. Example: "Given the current budget constraints, hiring additional staff is not a viable option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's not a viable option".

The New York Times

He said publicly that bankruptcy was not a viable option.

The New York Times

Pushing him off the ship is not a viable option.

The New Yorker

Doing nothing to change the way things work "is not a viable option", according to Glasby.

The Guardian

But in terms of reducing class size it is just not a viable option today.

The New York Times

The SNP's own fiscal commission said this was not a viable option.

The Guardian

Dredging is not a viable option; doing so only stirs up the pollutants.

The New Yorker

"In terms of reducing class size, it is just not a viable option today.

The New York Times

"Tax increases, however, are not a viable option for the joint committee," Boehner said.

The Guardian

"Tax increases, however, are not a viable option for the joint committee," Mr. Boehner said.

The New York Times

Tax increases, however, are not a viable option for the Joint Committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms or related phrases such as "not a feasible choice" or "not a practical solution" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "not a viable option" without providing justification. A strong argument includes a brief explanation of why the option is impractical or unfeasible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a viable option" functions as a negative assessment, indicating that a particular course of action or choice is impractical or unworkable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not a viable option" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that a specific choice or solution is impractical or unfeasible. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread usage across various domains. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, provide clear justifications to strengthen your argument. Consider synonyms like "not a feasible choice" or "not a practical solution" to add variety. Avoid overusing the phrase without substantiating your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not a feasible choice

Focuses on the impracticality of a selection, highlighting its lack of workability.

not a practical solution

Emphasizes that an idea, even though it may seem theoretically sound, doesn't provide a real-world answer.

not a realistic alternative

Stresses that a proposed option is out of touch with real-world constraints or possibilities.

an impractical alternative

Highlights the lack of practicality in implementing a specific choice.

out of the question

Indicates that something is completely unacceptable or impossible.

off the table

Suggests that an idea is no longer under consideration due to various reasons.

unworkable

Highlights the impossibility of achieving the desired result by using such method.

inadmissible

Focuses on the inappropriateness or unacceptability of a choice within a specific context.

impossible to consider

Indicates that a certain action should not even be taken into consideration.

cannot be entertained

Suggests that an idea should not even be taken into account or discussed.

FAQs

What does "not a viable option" mean?

The phrase "not a viable option" indicates that a particular choice, plan, or solution is impractical, unfeasible, or unlikely to succeed given the current circumstances or constraints.

How can I use "not a viable option" in a sentence?

You can use "not a viable option" to express that something is not a practical or realistic choice. For example, "Given the limited resources, expanding the project at this stage is "not a viable option"".

What can I say instead of "not a viable option"?

You can use alternatives like "not a feasible choice", "not a practical solution", or "not a realistic alternative" depending on the context.

Is "not a viable option" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "not a viable option" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the overall tone and style of the writing or conversation rather than the specific setting.