Cool MateIt is possible vs You can make it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It is possible
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
You can make it
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: You can make it
| It is possible | You can make it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt ɪz ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //ɪt ɪz ˈpɑsəbl// | 🇬🇧 //juː kən meɪk ɪt//🇺🇸 //ju kən meɪk ɪt// |
| Meaning | It can happen | You can succeed or achieve something. |
| Example | It is possible to learn a new language at any age. | Don't worry; you can make it if you try hard enough. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | it is possible to, it is possible that, possible solution, possible outcome, possible improvement | make it happen, make it work, make it through, make it count, make it to the top |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Confusing with 'do it', which implies action rather than possibility., Omitting 'it', making the phrase incomplete., Using it in overly formal situations where support is not needed. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Commonly used to encourage someone. Suitable in informal and formal contexts, especially when someone is uncertain. |
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Frequently asked questions: It is possible vs You can make it
What's the difference between It is possible and You can make it?
It is possible: It can happen You can make it: You can succeed or achieve something.
Which is more common: It is possible and You can make it?
You can make it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
It is possible: It is possible to learn a new language at any age. You can make it: Don't worry; you can make it if you try hard enough.
Can I use It is possible and You can make it interchangeably?
Not always. It is possible and You can make it 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.