Cool MateThat won't happen vs That's impossible
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That won't happen
Top 2,000 (common)
That's impossible
Top 2,000 (common)
| That won't happen | That's impossible | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðat wəʊnt ˈhæpən//🇺🇸 //ðæt woʊnt ˈhæpən// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɪmˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɪmˈpɑsəbl// |
| Meaning | This will not occur or take place. | It cannot be done. |
| Example | If you think he will change his mind, that won't happen. | When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | That won't happen again, Don't worry, that won't happen, I can promise you that won't happen | That's impossible to believe, That's impossible to achieve, That's impossible to accept |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a very formal conversation., Confusing with 'That may not happen', which is less certain., Saying 'That is not happen' instead of 'That won't happen'. | Using 'that's impossible' too casually in formal discussions., Confusing the expression with 'it's impossible' when addressing multiple situations., Overusing the phrase for minor challenges. |
| Usage notes | Used to express certainty that something is unlikely to happen. Suitable in various contexts but avoid in overly formal settings. | Use this phrase to express disbelief or skepticism in a situation. It is suitable for informal and formal situations, but can sound a bit strong depending on tone. |
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Frequently asked questions: That won't happen vs That's impossible
What's the difference between That won't happen and That's impossible?
That won't happen: This will not occur or take place. That's impossible: It cannot be done.
Can you show an example of each?
That won't happen: If you think he will change his mind, that won't happen. That's impossible: When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.'
Can I use That won't happen and That's impossible interchangeably?
Not always. That won't happen and That's impossible 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.