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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
that's not possible
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
51 human-written examples
"That's something that's not possible in a shopping mall".
News & Media
In the film, he added, that's not possible.
News & Media
And he doesn't think there's anything that's not possible".
News & Media
"But as a human being, that's not possible.
News & Media
For some flavors of hedge fund investing that's not possible.
News & Media
But in this day and age, that's not possible.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
8 human-written examples
Today, that is not possible.
News & Media
This time that was not possible.
News & Media
Things that were not possible before that add value.
News & Media
"When they're out in East Hampton, that is not possible".
News & Media
In my respectful submission, that is not possible".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
In speech or informal writing, the contraction helps maintain a conversational rhythm, while the full form 'that is not possible' adds gravitas in professional documentation.
Common error
Avoid using "that's not possible" when you actually mean something is just highly improbable or inconvenient. Overusing this phrase to describe things that are merely difficult can make your writing seem hyperbolic or dismissive; reserve it for absolute constraints.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
This phrase serves as a negative declarative statement that combines a demonstrative pronoun with a contracted copula and a predicative adjective. In Ludwig, it is frequently used to reject a previous premise or to establish a factual boundary.
Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Professional
15%
Science
10%
Less common in
Wiki
2%
Social Media
1%
Encyclopedias
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "that's not possible" is a robust and direct expression of negation. Ludwig AI highlights its pervasive use across diverse media, from high-stakes journalism at The New York Times to technical discussions in TechCrunch. It is a highly versatile tool for writers to signal constraints, debunk false claims or reject impractical ideas. While grammatically standard, its tone can shift from clinical to emotional depending on the surrounding text. For the most formal writing environments, opting for the non-contracted version "that is not possible" is recommended to ensure a professional and authoritative tone.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that is not possible
Uses the full form which is more appropriate for formal academic or technical writing
it is not possible
Substitutes the demonstrative pronoun with a dummy subject for a more objective tone
that's impossible
Adds stronger emphasis and can convey a sense of disbelief or emotional reaction
that's not feasible
Focuses specifically on the practical or technical ability to execute a plan
that's not doable
A more conversational and casual alternative used in everyday speech
it can't be done
Focuses on the physical or logical action required to achieve an outcome
that's out of the question
An idiomatic expression often implying a refusal or a social prohibition
that's unachievable
Suggests that a specific goal cannot be reached despite effort or intention
that can't happen
Emphasizes the occurrence of an event rather than the state of possibility
that's unattainable
Implies that a high-level target or standard is beyond reach
FAQs
What can I say instead of "that's not possible"?
You can use alternatives like "that's not feasible", "that's impossible" or "it can't be done" depending on the context.
Is "that's not possible" formal enough for business?
It is acceptable in professional emails and meetings, but for formal reports or legal documents, you should use "that is not possible" to maintain a more polished tone.
What is the difference between "that's not possible" and "that's impossible"?
While they share the same core meaning, "that's impossible" is often perceived as more dramatic or subjective, whereas "that's not possible" often sounds more objective or matter-of-fact.
How do you use "that's not possible" in a sentence?
It is typically used as a reaction to a statement, such as: "He said he would finish by noon, but "that's not possible" given the current workload."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested