would not be possible

USAGE SUMMARY

'would not be possible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express something that would be impossible to achieve or do. For example: "Reaching a consensus on this issue in such a short amount of time would not be possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would not be possible today.

The Economist

"In France that would not be possible.

Independent

"That would not be possible".

The Guardian

Without her, it would not be possible.

The New York Times - Sports

But that would not be possible here".

The New York Times - Arts

That, he said, would not be possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Without Christophe, this would not be possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Otherwise, they would not be possible.

The New York Times

This would not be possible with closed microcosms.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

Without them, progress in medicine would not be possible.

Harvard University

It would not be possible if these were separate things.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would not be possible", ensure the context clearly defines the conditions or factors preventing the possibility. This adds precision and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "would not be possible" as a dramatic exaggeration. Ensure that the impossibility is based on concrete reasons or evidence, rather than subjective feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would not be possible" functions as a modal construction expressing impossibility or a lack of feasibility. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which demonstrate usage in contexts where conditions prevent an outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

31%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "would not be possible" is a versatile and commonly used expression for conveying impossibility or infeasibility. As Ludwig illustrates, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific writing, highlighting its neutral to professional register. Grammatically sound, it effectively communicates that something cannot be achieved under specific conditions. Remember to provide clear context for the impossibility and avoid overuse for dramatic effect. Alternatives such as "would be unachievable" or "would be infeasible" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be unachievable

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching a specific goal or outcome.

would be unattainable

Highlights the inability to obtain or acquire something.

would be infeasible

Focuses on the impracticality or unsuitability of a plan or action.

would be out of the question

Indicates that something is completely unacceptable or not worth considering.

would be beyond the realm of possibility

Stresses the extreme unlikelihood or impossibility of an event.

could not be done

A simpler way to express that something is impossible to accomplish.

is simply not an option

Emphasizes that a particular choice or course of action is not viable.

lies outside the bounds of feasibility

Highlights the impracticality of the alternative.

exceeds the realm of what is practicable

Focuses on whether is realistic or achievable given current constraints or conditions.

cannot be realized

Indicates the impossibility of making something a reality.

FAQs

How can I use "would not be possible" in a sentence?

Use "would not be possible" to express that something cannot happen or be achieved under specific circumstances. For example, "Completing the project on time "would not be possible" without additional resources."

What phrases can I use instead of "would not be possible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "would be unachievable", "would be infeasible", or "would be unattainable", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "wouldn't be possible"?

Yes, "wouldn't be possible" is a contraction of "would not be possible" and is perfectly acceptable in informal writing and speech. In more formal contexts, it is better to use the full form, "would not be possible".

What's the difference between "would not be possible" and "is not possible"?

"Is not possible" typically refers to a present or general impossibility, while "would not be possible" refers to a hypothetical situation or a future impossibility contingent on certain conditions. For example, "Time travel is not possible (currently)", versus "Achieving world peace "would not be possible" without global cooperation".