that is not possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is not possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something cannot be done or achieved in a particular situation. Example: "I understand your request, but unfortunately, that is not possible at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Today, that is not possible.

The Guardian - Books

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

The New York Times

In my respectful submission, that is not possible".

The New York Times

But in the current circumstances that is not possible, he says.

The Guardian

"It is never about leaving yourself behind – that is not possible.

The Guardian

Remark 2.2 yields that is not possible.

Boundary Value Problems

Tell me what is possible with the Move that is not possible with the Wiimote?

TechCrunch

In some countries, that is not possible.

Vice

From Syria that is not possible; it is a warzone.

Vice

"No, that is not possible, you can't take them outside now".

Vice

"That is not possible anymore".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is not possible" to firmly and politely decline requests or suggestions that are unfeasible.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "that is not possible" without providing any context or reasoning. Offer alternative solutions or explain the constraints to maintain a constructive conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is not possible" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing impossibility or infeasibility. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to indicate that a particular action, event, or condition cannot occur or be realized. This is confirmed by the numerous examples available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is not possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey impossibility or infeasibility. According to Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication, providing context and reasoning when using the phrase is recommended. Related phrases, such as "that cannot be done" or "that's unachievable", offer alternative ways to express a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that cannot be done

Replaces 'possible' with 'done', focusing on the action not being able to be completed.

that's unachievable

Substitutes 'possible' with 'achievable', emphasizing the lack of ability to reach a certain goal or outcome.

that's unattainable

Uses 'unattainable' in place of 'not possible', highlighting the impossibility of reaching or obtaining something.

that's infeasible

Replaces 'not possible' with 'infeasible', indicating that the action or plan is impractical or unsuitable.

it's out of the question

Emphasizes a firm rejection or impossibility, suggesting that the idea or action is not worth considering.

that's simply not an option

Focuses on the lack of choice or feasibility, indicating that the proposed action cannot be considered.

that's beyond the realm of possibility

Highlights the extreme unlikelihood or impossibility of the scenario.

it cannot be realized

Focuses on the impossibility of making something real or tangible.

that's just not in the cards

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that something is not destined or likely to happen.

that's a dead end

Emphasizes the lack of progress or potential for success in a particular direction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "that is not possible"?

You can use alternatives like "that cannot be done", "that's unachievable", or "it's out of the question" depending on the context.

Is "that is not possible" formal or informal?

The phrase "that is not possible" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and tone can influence the overall formality.

How to use "that is not possible" in a sentence?

You can use "that is not possible" to express that something cannot be done or achieved, such as, "I understand your request, but unfortunately, "that is not possible" at this time."

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

While similar, "that is not possible" often implies a situational constraint or lack of feasibility, whereas "that is impossible" suggests a fundamental or inherent inability. The phrase "that is impossible" usually describes something that defies the laws of nature or logic.