was not possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something could not be done or achieved in a particular situation. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, completing the project on time was not possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was not possible.

The New York Times

"The race was not possible.

The New York Times - Sports

This was not possible.

The Guardian - Business

Still, it was not possible.

The Guardian

Sadly, this was not possible.

The Guardian - Books

That was not possible either.

The Guardian - Money

That was not possible to continue".

The New Yorker

This was not possible in 1995.

University of California, Berkeley

It became clear negotiation was not possible.

The Guardian

I told her that was not possible.

The Washington Post

He said monkey fishing was not possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not possible" to clearly and directly state the impossibility of an action or event. Ensure the context provides a clear reason or explanation for why it was not possible.

Common error

Avoid using "was not possible" without providing context or a reason. Always explain why something was not possible to maintain clarity and avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not possible" functions as a statement of impossibility or inability. It asserts that a particular action, event, or outcome could not occur under the given circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not possible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the impossibility of an action or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, providing context to explain why something "was not possible" is crucial for clarity. Alternatives like "was unachievable" or "was infeasible" can be used for a more formal tone. Understanding its function and purpose, and avoiding overuse without explanation, will enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unachievable

Focuses on the impossibility of achieving a specific goal or outcome.

was unattainable

Highlights the difficulty in reaching or obtaining something.

was infeasible

Emphasizes the impracticality of a proposed plan or action.

could not be done

A more direct and simple way of stating that something could not be accomplished.

was out of the question

Indicates that something was completely unacceptable or not allowed.

was not viable

Suggests that something could not succeed or sustain itself.

was beyond reach

Implies that something was too difficult or distant to obtain.

was not an option

Indicates that something was not a suitable or available choice.

proved to be impossible

Highlights the fact that something was attempted but ultimately failed.

was simply not feasible

Reinforces the impracticality and unsuitability of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was not possible" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "was infeasible", "was unattainable", or "was unachievable". These options provide a more sophisticated way to express impossibility.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "was not possible"?

The phrase "was not possible" is grammatically correct. However, using it without providing context or a reason might make your writing less clear. Always ensure you explain why something "was not possible".

What are some common synonyms for "was not possible" in academic writing?

In academic writing, consider using synonyms such as "was not feasible", "was impractical", or "was untenable". These alternatives often lend a more formal and precise tone.

How does the meaning of "was not possible" differ from "was difficult"?

"Was difficult" implies a challenge that could potentially be overcome, while "was not possible" indicates an absolute inability to achieve something, regardless of effort. For example, "The climb was difficult, but we made it" versus "Reaching the summit in that weather was not possible".