not possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"not possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not possible or cannot be done, for example: "It is not possible to predict the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not possible.

Forbes

Video playback not possible".

Independent

It's just not possible".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's just not possible".

The New York Times

But that's not possible.

The New Yorker

Surely that's not possible?

The Guardian

Therefore, it's not possible.

The New York Times

"It's not possible".

The New York Times - Arts

It is not possible.

The New York Times

Unfortunately that's not possible.

Independent

Anything is not possible.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not possible" when directly negating the possibility of an event or action. It is particularly useful in formal writing to convey a clear and definitive sense of impossibility.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "not possible" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In less formal settings, consider alternatives such as "can't be done" or "no way" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not possible" functions as a predicate adjective, directly modifying a noun or pronoun to express that something is unachievable or cannot occur. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in negating potential actions, states, or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not possible" is a versatile expression used to denote impossibility or infeasibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. It is especially common in News & Media but also appears in Academia, Science and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral, it can sometimes sound formal in casual conversation; alternatives like "can't be done" might be more appropriate. Its function is primarily to negate the possibility of an event or action, conveying a definitive sense of impossibility. Highly authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, frequently employ the phrase, solidifying its place in standard English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unachievable

This alternative focuses on the inability to reach a desired outcome or goal.

infeasible

This term highlights the impracticality of a task or plan due to constraints or limitations.

unattainable

Emphasizes the idea that something cannot be obtained or acquired.

out of the question

Indicates something is completely unacceptable or cannot be considered.

cannot be done

A straightforward expression indicating the impossibility of performing an action.

not feasible

Similar to infeasible, stressing the impracticality of something being realized.

beyond reach

This suggests something is too difficult or distant to be attained.

unthinkable

Implies something is so unlikely or undesirable that it shouldn't even be considered.

impassible

Describes something, often physical, that cannot be passed or crossed.

no chance

Informal expression suggesting a complete lack of probability or opportunity.

FAQs

What's a simple way to explain why something is "not possible"?

You can use a simple explanation by saying it "cannot be done", focusing on the inability to complete the task.

How can I express "not possible" in a more formal way?

In formal contexts, consider using "infeasible" or "unattainable" to convey the impossibility with a higher degree of sophistication.

Is it always appropriate to use "not possible" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "not possible" might sound stilted in informal settings. Alternatives like "no way" or "can't happen" may be more suitable.

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

"Not possible" indicates a definitive impossibility, while "unlikely" suggests a low probability but not complete impossibility. The former is absolute, the latter is a matter of chance.