not traditionally possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not traditionally possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not typically achievable or feasible according to conventional standards or practices. Example: "With the advent of new technology, what was once considered not traditionally possible is now within our reach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As soon as that's possible, you can then be framing and composing shots to all this beautiful light in a way that is not traditionally possible in the visual effects workflow. .

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps the lesser support reported is because these topics (with the possible exception of usability and interface issues) are not traditionally linked to creativity and innovation.

BMC Medical Education

Thus, it would be possible to construct CNTs with multiple functions that have not traditionally been co-occurrent, such as drug transport, cell adhesion, biomembrane transport, and release at targeted sites.

Chemical Reviews

"D.O.D. has not traditionally done these things".

The New York Times

Chinese firms have not traditionally got involved in export finance.

The Economist

Think is trickier, because it is not traditionally transitive.

The Economist

Charitable groups have not traditionally financed news media.

The New York Times

"We're not traditionally connected to this music.

The New Yorker

Neurons are not traditionally thought to develop from PDGFRα+ precursors.

ASN Neuro

Antigenic cartography has not traditionally measured breadth of hemagglutination inhibition.

eLife

These aren't, traditionally, figures of sympathy.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what was traditionally considered impossible, providing a strong contrast for impact.

Common error

Avoid using "not traditionally possible" for minor inconveniences or things that were merely difficult. Reserve it for situations where the change represents a genuine breakthrough or paradigm shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not traditionally possible" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the adjective "possible". It specifies that the possibility is a recent development, contrasting with what was previously considered achievable. As confirmed by Ludwig, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not traditionally possible" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a recent shift in feasibility, contrasting with prior limitations. Though rare in overall frequency, its usage is consistent and adds a layer of historical context to discussions, mainly in news, media, and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the historical impossibility and the factors that have enabled the change. Avoid overusing it for trivial changes, as it is best reserved for significant breakthroughs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not conventionally possible

Emphasizes the deviation from established customs or practices.

not typically feasible

Focuses on the practicality and common occurrence of something.

not historically viable

Highlights the lack of past success or implementation.

unprecedented

Indicates the absence of prior instances or parallels.

not previously attainable

Stresses the recent achievement of something formerly out of reach.

outside the realm of possibility

Highlights that something goes beyond the limits of what might happen or be achieved.

beyond the scope of traditional methods

Highlights that something is not achievable through traditional methods.

not within the bounds of convention

Highlights that something goes beyond the expectations of conventions.

contrary to established practice

Highlights that something goes in contrast with established practices.

deviates from the norm

Focuses on how something goes away from the common standard or pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "not traditionally possible" in a sentence?

Use "not traditionally possible" to describe an action, outcome, or capability that has only recently become feasible due to advancements or changes in circumstances. For example: "With AI, personalized medicine at this scale was "not traditionally possible"".

What are some alternatives to "not traditionally possible"?

You can use alternatives such as "not conventionally possible", "not typically feasible", or "unprecedented" depending on the context.

Is "not traditionally possible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not traditionally possible" is grammatically correct and understandable. It effectively conveys that something was unachievable under previous norms or methods, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "not traditionally possible" and "impossible"?

"Impossible" implies a fundamental inability to occur, whereas "not traditionally possible" suggests that something was previously unachievable but is now feasible, often due to innovation or changed conditions. The former suggests a condition that can't be met under any circumstances while the latter is a state that can be overcome.