Cool MateThat's impossible vs That's not gonna fly this time
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's impossible
That's not gonna fly this time
| That's impossible | That's not gonna fly this time | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɪmˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɪmˈpɑsəbl// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt ˈɡɒnə flaɪ ðɪs taɪm//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt ˈɡɑnə flaɪ ðɪs taɪm// |
| Meaning | It cannot be done. | That won't be accepted or allowed now. |
| Example | When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.' | I know you want a day off, but that's not gonna fly this time. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | That's impossible to believe, That's impossible to achieve, That's impossible to accept | ain't gonna fly, not gonna fly, gonna fly away, this plan won't fly, that idea might fly |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Using 'fly' instead of 'flies'., Confusing it with similar phrases like 'that's not going to work'., Misunderstanding the meaning as literal. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Used in casual conversations to indicate disapproval of an idea or proposal. It might not be suitable in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's impossible vs That's not gonna fly this time
What's the difference between That's impossible and That's not gonna fly this time?
That's impossible: It cannot be done. That's not gonna fly this time: That won't be accepted or allowed now.
Which is more formal: That's impossible and That's not gonna fly this time?
That's impossible is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: That's impossible and That's not gonna fly this time?
That's impossible is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That's impossible: When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.' That's not gonna fly this time: I know you want a day off, but that's not gonna fly this time.
Can I use That's impossible and That's not gonna fly this time interchangeably?
Not always. That's impossible and That's not gonna fly this time 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.