shouldn't be possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shouldn't be possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or skepticism about the feasibility of a situation or event. Example: "Given the circumstances, it shouldn't be possible for the project to be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It shouldn't be possible".

The New Yorker

It just shouldn't be possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems like that shouldn't be possible".

The New York Times - Sports

Surfing shouldn't be possible here, and yet it is.

The New York Times

Some reckon it shouldn't be possible at all.

The Economist

"That shouldn't be possible, should it?" Mr. Zamoff asked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

It should not be possible for some human beings to say to another human being "on such a day you shall die".

The Guardian - Books

It should not be possible that our teams should have 15 foreign players in the squad".

The Guardian - Sport

Proprietary trading, where these conflicts of interest are most exposed, should not be possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it should not be possible for disability legislation to be circumvented so easily.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Language, that most human invention," he wrote, "can enable what, in principle, should not be possible.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shouldn't be possible" to express strong skepticism or disbelief about the feasibility of an event or situation. For example, "Given the current budget constraints, it "shouldn't be possible" to complete the project on time."

Common error

While "shouldn't be possible" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "is highly improbable" or "defies theoretical predictions" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shouldn't be possible" functions as a modal expression indicating impossibility or a low probability of something occurring. This phrase commonly expresses skepticism or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shouldn't be possible" is a common expression used to convey disbelief or strong skepticism about the likelihood of a situation or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing where precision is paramount. The provided examples showcase its usage across various domains, reinforcing its role in expressing surprise or doubt. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively leverage "shouldn't be possible" to add depth and nuance to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought not to be feasible

Replaces "shouldn't" with "ought not" and "possible" with "feasible", offering a more formal tone.

it's inconceivable

Focuses on the difficulty to imagine or accept something, suggesting extreme unlikelihood.

it defies logic

Shifts from possibility to logical contradiction, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the situation.

that's just not how it works

Explains that the situation contradicts basic principles or established rules, emphasizing fundamental impossibility.

it's contrary to expectation

This version places an emphasis on the fact that something is at odds to expectation

it's out of the question

Emphasizes that something is not allowed or considered, implying a strong level of impossibility.

it goes against the grain

Implies that something is very unlikely

it's against all odds

Highlights that an event or result is improbable given the prevailing circumstances.

it's a long shot

Emphasizes that the event is unlikely to happen

it's simply not on

This phrase uses a more informal and idiomatic expression, emphasizing unacceptability rather than strict impossibility.

FAQs

How can I use "shouldn't be possible" in a sentence?

You can use "shouldn't be possible" to express disbelief or skepticism about a particular outcome. For example, "With the current safety measures, an accident "shouldn't be possible"."

What's a more formal alternative to "shouldn't be possible"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is highly improbable", "is not feasible", or "is theoretically impossible" instead of "shouldn't be possible".

Is "should not be possible" more correct than "shouldn't be possible"?

"Should not be possible" and "shouldn't be possible" are both grammatically correct; the latter is simply a contraction and is less formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

When is it appropriate to use "shouldn't be possible"?

It's appropriate to use "shouldn't be possible" when you want to express that something is highly unlikely or unexpected, given the known circumstances or rules. It suggests a sense of disbelief or surprise.