Cool MateFeasible vs It is possible vs Viable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Feasible
Top 2,000 (common)B1
It is possible
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Viable
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
| Feasible | It is possible | Viable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈfiːzəbl//🇺🇸 //ˈfizəbl// | 🇬🇧 //ɪt ɪz ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //ɪt ɪz ˈpɑsəbl// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈvaɪəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈvaɪəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Possible to do or make happen. | It can happen | Able to work or succeed. |
| Example | The plan is not feasible given our current budget. | It is possible to learn a new language at any age. | a **viable option/proposition** |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | ||
| Collocations | feasible solution, feasible option, feasible plan, feasible proposal, feasible method | it is possible to, it is possible that, possible solution, possible outcome, possible improvement | be, prove, seem, extremely, truly, perfectly |
| Antonyms | infeasible, impractical, unworkable | - | unviable, impractical, infeasible |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'possible' — they are similar but not the same., Using 'feasible' to describe something impossible or unrealistic., Saying 'infeasible' instead of 'not feasible' incorrectly. | Using 'possible' without 'it is' to sound complete, e.g., 'Possible that we win.', Confusing with 'likely' which indicates probability, not just potential., Overusing in casual conversations where simpler phrases like 'we can' might fit better. | Confused with 'viable' vs 'viability' - remember 'viable' is the adjective., Using 'viable' incorrectly with non-project contexts, like personal opinions., Mixing up 'viable' with 'valid' - 'viable' relates to practicality, 'valid' to correctness. |
| Usage notes | Use 'feasible' in business or academic contexts. Avoid in casual conversation or everyday situations. | This phrase is used to express potential or ability. It is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but can be more formal in academic settings. | Use 'viable' when discussing options or plans that are practical and achievable. Avoid in very casual contexts; it sounds more professional. |
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Frequently asked questions: Feasible vs It is possible vs Viable
What's the difference between Feasible, It is possible, and Viable?
Feasible: Possible to do or make happen. It is possible: It can happen Viable: Able to work or succeed.
Which is more advanced: Feasible, It is possible, and Viable?
Viable is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Feasible: The plan is not feasible given our current budget. It is possible: It is possible to learn a new language at any age. Viable: a **viable option/proposition**
Can I use Feasible, It is possible, and Viable interchangeably?
Not always. Feasible, It is possible, and Viable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.