physically impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physically impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that cannot be accomplished because of the laws of physics or the limitations of physical objects. For example, "It is physically impossible to run faster than the speed of light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's physically impossible.

The New York Times

It is physically impossible".

The New York Times

That is physically impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's physically impossible," he said.

The Guardian

It would be physically impossible.

The Guardian

It would have been physically impossible.

The Guardian - Arts

"He does things that are, like, physically impossible," Hebert said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is physically impossible for him to leave.

The Guardian

They can't, because the moves are physically impossible.

The Guardian

To gather oneself, so to speak, was physically impossible.

The New Yorker

How is it physically impossible to leave the city?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "physically impossible" to emphasize that something violates the fundamental laws of nature or the limitations of the physical world. This adds a strong and definitive tone to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "physically impossible" when you mean something is merely very difficult or improbable. Reserve it for situations where the laws of physics genuinely prevent something from occurring; otherwise, consider using words like "unlikely" or "challenging" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically impossible" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that cannot occur due to the laws of physics or limitations of physical matter. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physically impossible" is a commonly used adjective phrase denoting something that contradicts the laws of physics or the inherent limitations of the physical world. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific discussions. While versatile, it should be reserved for scenarios truly defying physical laws rather than mere improbabilities. Alternatives like "utterly unachievable" or "in defiance of physics" can offer nuanced emphasis. Used correctly, "physically impossible" adds a powerful and definitive assertion to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in defiance of physics

Emphasizes the violation of physical laws, suggesting a contradiction of scientific principles.

against the laws of nature

Highlights a contravention of natural laws, underlining the fundamental impossibility.

utterly unachievable

Implies a complete lack of possibility, highlighting the insurmountable nature of the challenge.

categorically unrealizable

Highlights the impossibility of realization under any circumstances.

not within the realm of possibility

Broadly states that something is outside what can occur, without specifying the reason.

completely infeasible

Emphasizes the impracticality and unworkability of a plan or idea, considering real-world limitations.

beyond the bounds of reality

Suggests something is not just physically impossible, but also detached from real-world conditions.

simply unattainable

Focuses on the inability to reach or achieve something, often implying a lack of resources or skill.

unviable in practice

Focuses on the lack of real-world applicability, highlighting a failure to function effectively.

unworkable by any means

Stresses the lack of any method or approach that could make something feasible.

FAQs

How do you use "physically impossible" in a sentence?

The phrase "physically impossible" is used to describe something that cannot occur due to the laws of physics or the limitations of physical objects. For example, "It is "physically impossible" to be in two places at once".

What are some alternatives to saying "physically impossible"?

Alternatives to "physically impossible" include "utterly unachievable", "completely infeasible", or "against the laws of nature", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "physically impossible" in a figurative sense?

While "physically impossible" is typically used literally, it can be used figuratively to emphasize the extreme difficulty or unlikelihood of something. However, use caution to avoid hyperbole and ensure the context is appropriate.

What's the difference between "physically impossible" and "practically impossible"?

"Physically impossible" means something violates the laws of physics. "Practically impossible", on the other hand, means something is possible in theory but extremely difficult or unlikely to achieve due to real-world constraints. For example, teleportation is "physically impossible" with current science, while finding a specific grain of sand on a beach is "practically impossible".