Used and loved by millions

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 quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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that's not possible

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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

The New York Times

In the film, he added, that's not possible.

News & Media

The New York Times

And he doesn't think there's anything that's not possible".

"But as a human being, that's not possible.

For some flavors of hedge fund investing that's not possible.

News & Media

Forbes

But in this day and age, that's not possible.

News & Media

Forbes
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Today, that is not possible.

This time that was not possible.

Things that were not possible before that add value.

"When they're out in East Hampton, that is not possible".

News & Media

The New York Times

In my respectful submission, that is not possible".

News & Media

The New York Times
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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Very common

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.

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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Source & Trust

93%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: