totally impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is not possible under any circumstances. For example: It is totally impossible for us to finish this project in such a short amount of time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe not totally impossible.

The New York Times

Totally impossible, and entirely possible.

The New Yorker

It's totally impossible to know".

The New York Times

It's totally impossible, and that includes Christie.

The New York Times

But they are not totally impossible to get.

The New York Times - Food

It's totally impossible for me and I don't feel safe".

Independent

"The proof is totally impossible," said Ms. Naz.

The New York Times

A totally impossible miracle which nevertheless has taken place.

The Guardian - Books

It's a fun thing to think about, but it's totally impossible.

Columbia University

It is totally impossible in this community for them to be there without us knowing.

The Guardian

It's not totally impossible to imagine a child bringing a private prosecution against its mother.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally impossible" to convey a strong sense of impossibility, leaving no room for doubt or exception. For less emphasis, consider alternatives like "highly improbable".

Common error

Avoid overuse. While effective for emphasis, relying too heavily on "totally impossible" can weaken your writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "highly unlikely" or "virtually unattainable" to maintain impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally impossible" functions as an intensifier combined with an adjective. It modifies the adjective 'impossible', amplifying the degree to which something is not possible. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally impossible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the impossibility of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct and suitable for diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. While "totally" adds emphasis, writers should use it judiciously and consider more formal alternatives like "categorically impossible" in certain settings. When aiming for precision, remember that alternatives such as "completely infeasible", "absolutely impossible", or "entirely impossible" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorically impossible

Emphasizes the absolute and unconditional nature of the impossibility.

absolutely impossible

Highlights the complete and utter lack of possibility.

entirely impossible

Stresses the wholeness and completeness of the impossibility.

wholly impossible

Similar to 'entirely impossible', emphasizing the complete extent of the impossibility.

utterly impossible

Suggests a degree of impossibility that is complete and without exception.

completely infeasible

Shifts the focus to the impracticality and unworkability of something.

patently impossible

Indicates that the impossibility is obvious and easily recognized.

manifestly impossible

Implies the impossibility is clear and evident to everyone.

in no way possible

Expresses impossibility by negating any potential means or method.

beyond the realm of possibility

Highlights that something falls outside the boundaries of what can conceivably happen.

FAQs

How can I use "totally impossible" in a sentence?

Use "totally impossible" to emphasize that something cannot happen under any circumstances. For instance, "It's "totally impossible" to finish the project by tomorrow."

What phrases can I use instead of "totally impossible"?

Alternatives include "completely infeasible", "absolutely impossible", or "entirely impossible" depending on the desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "completely and totally impossible"?

Yes, using both "completely" and "totally" to modify "impossible" is redundant. Choose one for clearer, more concise writing.

When is it appropriate to use "totally impossible" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "categorically impossible" or "entirely infeasible" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone. Assess if the strong emphasis is necessary for your argument.