Cool MateNot possible vs That's impossible
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not possible
Top 2,000 (common)
That's impossible
Top 2,000 (common)
| Not possible | That's impossible | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //nɑt ˈpɑsəbl// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɪmˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɪmˈpɑsəbl// |
| Meaning | Something that cannot happen or be done. | It cannot be done. |
| Example | It is not possible to finish the project without more time. | When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | not possible to achieve, not possible due to circumstances, not possible at this time, not possible without effort | That's impossible to believe, That's impossible to achieve, That's impossible to accept |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'impossible' as it is less formal., Using 'not possible' when something could be possible with effort., Misplacing the phrase in a sentence leading to awkward construction. | 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 | Use 'not possible' in everyday contexts to indicate something is impractical or unachievable. Avoid overusing in formal writing. | 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: Not possible vs That's impossible
What's the difference between Not possible and That's impossible?
Not possible: Something that cannot happen or be done. That's impossible: It cannot be done.
Can you show an example of each?
Not possible: It is not possible to finish the project without more time. That's impossible: When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.'
Can I use Not possible and That's impossible interchangeably?
Not always. Not possible 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.