this is impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disbelief or to indicate that a situation cannot be achieved or accomplished. Example: "After reviewing the project requirements, I have to say that this is impossible given our current resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But this is impossible.

The New York Times

None of this is impossible.

The New York Times - Magazine

2) This is impossible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Today this is impossible.

The New York Times

"I said to John: 'This is impossible.

The New York Times

So this is impossible in Afghanistan".

The New Yorker

This is impossible'," Cauchi recalled.

The Guardian

"I thought: 'This is impossible.

The Guardian - Business

This is impossible for me.

The Guardian - Tech

Art Picks: This is impossible.

The New York Times

This is impossible, I was thinking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is impossible" to directly and clearly state that something cannot be achieved or is not feasible under given circumstances. Ensure the context supports such a definitive statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this is impossible" when you actually mean something is highly improbable or difficult. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine, insurmountable barrier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is impossible" functions as a declarative statement expressing impossibility. It definitively asserts that something cannot occur or be achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is impossible" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to assert that something is definitively unattainable. Ludwig AI validates its usage in diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, reserving it for situations where genuine and insurmountable barriers exist. Related phrases like "this cannot be done" or "this is not feasible" offer alternative ways to convey impossibility with subtle nuances. Remember to avoid overstating impossibility when lesser degrees of difficulty are meant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is simply not possible

Adds emphasis to the impossibility of something.

this cannot be done

Replaces "impossible" with a more direct statement of inability.

this is not feasible

Uses "feasible" to indicate that something is not practical or achievable.

this is unachievable

Emphasizes the lack of possibility of reaching a certain goal.

this is unattainable

Focuses on the idea that something is beyond reach or inaccessible.

this is out of the question

Indicates something is not permissible or worth considering.

this is not viable

Suggests that something is not capable of working successfully.

this is unrealistic

Highlights the impracticality and lack of grounding in reality.

it is out of the realm of possibility

Presents the idea as not being in the range of what can occur.

this is beyond the pale

Conveys that something is completely unacceptable or outrageous.

FAQs

What does "this is impossible" mean?

The phrase "this is impossible" is used to express that something cannot be done, achieved, or is not feasible under any circumstances. It indicates a definitive lack of possibility.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is impossible"?

Use "this is impossible" when there are insurmountable obstacles preventing a desired outcome. It's suitable for situations where success is definitively unattainable.

Are there alternative phrases to "this is impossible"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "this cannot be done", "this is not feasible", or "this is unachievable" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is "this is impossible" formal or informal?

The phrase "this is impossible" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the situation and the level of certainty you wish to convey than on the setting.