not otherwise possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not otherwise possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can only be achieved in a specific way or under certain conditions. Example: "This solution is the only one that is feasible, as it is not otherwise possible to achieve the desired outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Judicious choice of image-processing routines can greatly enhance an image and can extract features that are not otherwise possible.

Methods in Cell Biology

In addition, 85% of businesses said that exporting had led to a level of growth not otherwise possible.

The Guardian

The judicious choice of image-processing routines can greatly enhance an image and can extract features, which are not otherwise possible.

Methods in Cell Biology

Our growth has enabled us to bring some of our best practices to service users in areas where it was not otherwise possible.

The Guardian

Regression analysis was used to identify the impacts of some of the interactions among experimental factors on the algorithms' performance, which is not otherwise possible with a tabular analysis.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

The hybrid UASB-MBBR-RBBR technology could thus provide an alternative, low maintenance, economical and efficient system for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen removal and energy recovery, which is not otherwise possible using conventional secondary sewage treatment processes.

Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It objectifies the subjects in a way that isn't otherwise possible".

Independent

Being a blood donor gave her a unique opportunity to demonstrate her compassion for others in a way that wasn't otherwise possible within the time and economic constraints associated with her life stage.

BMC Public Health

So even for those who aren't gamers by definition, PlayStation VR affords opportunities just to experience something that may not be otherwise possible.

Vice

They provide possibilities for the investigation of pathophysiological processes that may not otherwise be possible in humans.

BioMed Research International

This, he contends, allows the evolution of collaborative, altruistic traits that would not otherwise be possible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not otherwise possible" to emphasize the uniqueness or necessity of a particular method or approach. This highlights that the desired outcome depends specifically on this action.

Common error

Avoid using "not otherwise possible" in situations where simpler alternatives exist. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious. Ensure the context genuinely warrants the emphasis on uniqueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not otherwise possible" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify a condition that is essential for a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and indicates something can only be achieved in a specific way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not otherwise possible" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the uniqueness or necessity of a specific method or condition for achieving a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across different fields. While predominantly found in formal and scientific contexts, it can also appear in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on exclusivity, as overuse in simpler scenarios can sound unnecessarily complex. Consider alternatives like "unachievable by other means" or "impossible any other way" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unachievable by other means

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving the result through alternative methods.

impossible any other way

Highlights the uniqueness of the method as the only feasible option.

solely achievable through this

Emphasizes that the result is exclusive to a particular approach.

only feasible in this manner

Indicates that the specific method is the only practical way to achieve the outcome.

not feasible via alternative routes

States directly that other methods are not practical or workable.

unattainable through different approaches

Focuses on the impossibility of reaching the goal using other strategies.

exclusively possible this way

Stresses the exclusivity of the method in achieving the desired result.

cannot be done differently

A more direct way to state the lack of alternatives.

no other way to accomplish

Emphasizes that achieving the task is impossible without this specific method.

restricted to this single method

Highlights the limitation to only one method for achieving the desired result.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not otherwise possible" to sound less formal?

Consider using phrases like "the only way", "no other way", or "simply impossible any other way" depending on the context. These options are less formal while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "not otherwise possible" or are there simpler alternatives?

While "not otherwise possible" is grammatically correct, simpler alternatives often exist. If the uniqueness of the method isn't the main focus, consider phrases like "impossible" or "unachievable".

What's the difference between "not feasible" and "not otherwise possible"?

"Not feasible" implies something is impractical or not workable, while "not otherwise possible" specifically indicates that there is no other way to achieve a result. The latter emphasizes the uniqueness of a particular method, and that's a stronger statement than the former.

When is it appropriate to use "not otherwise possible" in writing?

Use "not otherwise possible" when you want to emphasize that a particular outcome or action is exclusively tied to a specific method or condition. This is especially relevant in scientific, technical, or legal contexts where precision is important.