not impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

"not impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is feasible, or that it is possible to do something even if it may be difficult. For example, "Although the task seems daunting, it is not impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not impossible.

The New York Times

But not impossible.

The New York Times

Success is not impossible.

The Economist

That is not impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

Tricky, but not impossible.

Independent

Harder, but not impossible.

The New York Times

But it's not impossible.

The New York Times

unlikely if not impossible".

The New York Times

"You know, it's not impossible.

The New York Times - Sports

(Unlikely, but certainly not impossible).

The New Yorker

And that is not impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "not impossible" with qualifiers like 'difficult but' or 'unlikely but' to provide a balanced perspective and manage expectations effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "not impossible" as a standalone statement without further explanation. Provide context to clarify what makes the situation challenging and why a positive outcome is still within reach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not impossible" primarily functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun or pronoun, expressing that something is feasible, even if challenging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It offers a nuanced perspective between impossibility and certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not impossible" is a versatile and commonly used expression that conveys that something is achievable, even if it presents significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While direct alternatives like "possible" exist, "not impossible" carries a nuanced implication of difficulty that makes it useful for managing expectations and encouraging perseverance. As detailed in the writing guidance, avoid using this phrase in isolation; instead, provide context to clarify both the difficulties and the remaining potential. Given its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering the art of conveying feasibility with this expression can improve your communication effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not out of the question

Indicates that something is worth considering, even if unlikely.

within the realm of possibility

Focuses on the theoretical possibility, suggesting it's conceivable.

conceivably doable

Emphasizes that the action can be done or completed, though it might require effort.

potentially achievable

Replaces the negative with a positive assertion of potential, emphasizing the achievability aspect.

not entirely hopeless

Focuses on the remaining glimmer of hope, even if the situation looks bleak.

feasibly attainable

Highlights the practicality and attainability of the goal.

theoretically viable

Stresses that in theory, the idea could work, but real-world conditions may affect its success.

a fighting chance

Conveys that despite the odds, there is some hope or opportunity for success.

just about possible

Suggests the possibility exists but is marginal or barely there.

remotely plausible

Suggests that something is believable but only to a small degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "not impossible" to express that something is achievable, even if difficult. For example, "Winning the championship is "not impossible", but it will require hard work and dedication."

What can I say instead of "not impossible"?

You can use alternatives like "potentially achievable", "within the realm of possibility", or "not out of the question" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not impossible" or "possible"?

"Possible" is more direct and affirmative. "Not impossible" implies a degree of difficulty or uncertainty but suggests success remains a valid option. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "not impossible" and "unlikely"?

"Unlikely" suggests a low probability of success. "Not impossible" indicates that while there may be challenges, success is still achievable. They differ in that "not impossible" carries more positive connotation.