Cool MateImpossible vs This can't be done
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Impossible
Top 1,000 (very common)A2
This can't be done
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Impossible
| Impossible | This can't be done | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪmˈpɒsəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪmˈpɑːsəbl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðɪs kɑːnt bi dʌn//🇺🇸 //ðɪs kænt bi dʌn// |
| Meaning | Not able to happen or be done. | This is impossible. |
| Example | Climbing that mountain seems impossible without proper training. | The project is too complex; this can't be done in a week. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Collocations | appear, be, look, absolutely, completely, downright, for, be, become, find somebody, really, absolutely, completely | this can't be done without support, this can't be done in time, this can't be done alone |
| Antonyms | possible, feasible, achievable | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Impossible' is sometimes confused with 'unbelievable' but they are not the same., Learners might use 'impossible' to describe very challenging tasks instead of things that cannot be done at all., 'Impossible' is often incorrectly combined with less strong modifiers, like 'very impossible'. | Using 'can' instead of 'can't' when indicating impossibility., Confusing the phrase with 'It can be done' which expresses possibility., Using informal variations in formal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'impossible' to describe something that cannot be achieved. It’s suitable for both spoken and written English but may be too strong in polite contexts. | Use in situations expressing inability to achieve or complete a task. It's neutral, appropriate for various contexts, but avoid when being overly negative. |
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Frequently asked questions: Impossible vs This can't be done
What's the difference between Impossible and This can't be done?
Impossible: Not able to happen or be done. This can't be done: This is impossible.
Which is more common: Impossible and This can't be done?
Impossible is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Impossible: Climbing that mountain seems impossible without proper training. This can't be done: The project is too complex; this can't be done in a week.
Can I use Impossible and This can't be done interchangeably?
Not always. Impossible and This can't be done 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.