which is impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action that cannot take place. For example, "The task was too difficult, which is impossible to complete in the time given."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is impossible.

The New York Times

There are thus two mutually exclusive infinites, which is impossible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Which is impossible, of course, at least for now.

The New York Times

Hams can be hung outside there, which is impossible here".

Independent

It's certainly a figure which is impossible to forget".

The Guardian

It is not true, further, that G is moved by A, which is impossible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This book, which is impossible to adapt, it turns out is impossible to adapt".

The Economist

"Everybody expected me to win Wimbledon for the next 10 years, which is impossible," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

— but without the absolute mastery of the language, which is impossible for an immigrant".

The New Yorker

Consequently,, which is impossible.

Advances in Difference Equations

Case : which is impossible.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is impossible" to clearly and directly state that something cannot occur or be achieved. This phrase is particularly useful when clarifying limitations or refuting assumptions.

Common error

Avoid using "which is impossible" in situations where something is merely unlikely or difficult, rather than genuinely unattainable. Overusing the phrase can weaken its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Consider using words with a lower magnitude such as "improbable" or "unlikely" in its place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is impossible" functions as a relative clause, providing additional information or clarification about a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that something cannot occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is impossible" functions as a relative clause to definitively state that something cannot occur. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's best used when genuinely describing something unattainable, rather than merely improbable. Alternatives like "that's unattainable" or "that cannot be done" can offer similar meanings. Usage is common across various fields, as exemplified in the variety of sources within Ludwig, notably in scientific, news, and academic contexts. Ensure not to overuse "which is impossible", especially when other less drastic descriptions are accurate to prevent watering down your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's simply not possible

A more emphatic way of stating impossibility.

that's unattainable

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

that cannot happen

Directly states that an event or situation is not able to occur.

that cannot be done

Emphasizes the inability to perform a certain action.

that's not feasible

Highlights the impracticality of a particular plan or idea.

that's unachievable

Similar to unattainable, but stresses the inherent lack of possibility.

that's out of the question

Indicates something is not allowed or permitted.

that's not viable

Implies that something will not work or succeed.

that's beyond the realm of possibility

Emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of something happening.

that's a lost cause

Indicates futility and lack of hope for success.

FAQs

How do I use "which is impossible" in a sentence?

Use "which is impossible" to clarify that a particular action, outcome, or condition cannot occur or be achieved. For example, "Completing the project in one day, "which is impossible", would require more resources than we have available."

What can I say instead of "which is impossible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that's unattainable", "that cannot be done", or "that's not feasible". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "that is impossible" or "which is impossible"?

"Which is impossible" is typically used as part of a relative clause, adding extra information about a previous statement. "That is impossible" is a standalone statement. The correct choice depends on the sentence structure and the relationship between ideas.

What's the difference between "impossible" and "highly unlikely"?

"Impossible" means something cannot occur under any circumstances, while "highly unlikely" means it is improbable but still theoretically possible. Using "which is impossible" indicates a definitive barrier, whereas stating something is highly unlikely suggests a low probability but not a certainty. Using words with a lower magnitude such as "improbable" or "unlikely" is preferred when talking about subjective impressions.