What is impossible? Pronunciation and usage in English

impossible means . Learn how to pronounce and use impossible through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of impossible

impossibleadjective

/ɪmˈpɒsɪbl/
Definition & pronunciation of impossible

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "impossible" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. Syllables:

  • im- (like "em")
  • pos- (as in "pose")
  • i-ble (where "i" is pronounced like "ih")

2. The Sounds (Phonetics):

  • im: /ɪm/ (The "i" is a short "ih" sound, like in "bit")
  • pos: /pɒs/ (The "o" is a short, almost flat "ah" sound, like in "hot". The "s" is a soft "s" as in "sun")
  • i-ble: /aɪbl/ (The "i" here is the vowel sound in "eye," and "ble" sounds like "bluh")

3. Putting it Together - The Full Pronunciation:

The easiest way to say it is: im·pəˈsə·bəl

Let's break that down visually:

  • im (short "ih" sound)
  • pə (like "puh" but softened, with a little 'uh' sound in the middle - like "puh-uh")
  • sə (same as above - "puh-uh")
  • bəl (like "bluh")

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the third syllable: pə. You want to give that syllable a little more emphasis.
  • "ə" sound: The "ə" (schwa) sound is crucial in "possible." It’s a very common, relaxed vowel sound that doesn’t have a strong “ah” or “ee” quality. Think of how you say "about" – that’s a similar sound.
  • Listen to native speakers: This is essential. The best way to learn pronunciation is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "impossible" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/impossible/ – This website has recordings of native speakers pronouncing words in many languages.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce impossible" – you’ll find many videos.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word (like the "possible" part)?

Usage and examples with the word impossible in English

Let's break down how to use the word "impossible" effectively in English. It's a strong word, so it's important to use it correctly!

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Definition: "Impossible" means not able to happen or be done; not attainable. It describes something that is beyond possibility.

2. Common Ways to Use It:

  • Describing a Situation:

    • "It's impossible to finish this project in one day." (The task is simply too large to complete in that timeframe.)
    • "Traveling to Mars is currently impossible with our technology." (Current technology doesn't allow it.)
    • "It’s impossible for me to be in two places at once." (A fundamental physical limitation.)

  • Expressing Doubt or Refusal:

    • "You're saying he won the lottery? That's impossible!" (Expressing disbelief and suggesting it's highly unlikely.)
    • "He tried to convince me to quit my job, but it was impossible to listen to his logic." (Refusing to believe or accept his argument.)

  • Describing a Physical Limitation:

    • "With a broken leg, running is impossible." (A physical obstacle.)
    • "He's impossible to climb – the rock face is too steep." (Describing the difficulty of the task.)

  • Expressing Frustration (Often with a slight exaggeration):

    • "Trying to get him to agree to anything is impossible!" (Used when someone is very difficult to persuade.)

3. Important Nuances & Alternatives:

  • "Highly improbable" or "Extremely unlikely": Sometimes, "impossible" is too absolute. "Highly improbable" or "extremely unlikely" are often more accurate and less dismissive when something is very difficult but potentially possible.

  • "Nearly impossible": This acknowledges that there might be a slim chance, but it’s extremely difficult.

  • "It's a long shot": This is a more informal way of saying something is unlikely to succeed.

  • "Beyond the realm of possibility": A more formal way of expressing something is not possible.

4. Sentence Structure & Usage:

  • "It is impossible..." – This is the most common and grammatically correct structure.
  • "It's impossible..." – (Contraction) - More conversational.
  • "Impossible..." – Used as an interjection (a word expressing feeling) – “Impossible! I can't believe it!”

5. Examples Demonstrating Different Levels of Certainty:

  • Truly Impossible: "It's absolutely impossible for a fish to breathe on land."
  • Very Difficult / Highly Improbable: “It’s impossible to predict the stock market with certainty." (While unpredictable, it's not literally impossible.)
  • Challenging but Potentially Achievable: “It's impossible to teach a cat to play the piano, but you can certainly try!”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word impossible

Idioms of the word impossible

mission impossible
a difficult or impossible task
  • Many regard this task as mission impossible.

Practice with vocabulary impossible

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the current weather conditions, a successful summit of the mountain today is absolutely __________.
  2. While the task is undeniably __________, our team has the expertise to overcome it with careful planning.
  3. Without a valid access card, entering the restricted data center will be __________.
  4. The new regulations make it financially __________ for small businesses to comply without significant government subsidies.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a situation where a solution simply cannot be found? A) Highly improbable B) Challenging C) Impossible D) Unlikely

  2. The intricate design of the new engine makes its assembly incredibly ______. (Select all that apply.) A) Straightforward B) Complex C) Demanding D) Simple

  3. According to the laws of physics, creating a perpetual motion machine is ______. A) Improbable B) Unachievable C) Difficult D) Impossible

  4. Despite our best efforts, the proposed timeline for the product launch proved to be ______ given the limited resources. (Select all that apply.) A) Manageable B) Unfeasible C) Practical D) Impractical

  5. Without the necessary permits and environmental impact assessment, proceeding with the construction project would be legally ______. A) Difficult B) Impossible C) Unlikely D) Challenging

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It is not possible for us to meet the deadline with such a limited budget. Rewrite (use "impossible" or related word forms):

  2. Original: Achieving universal access to clean water in developing nations presents numerous obstacles. Rewrite (do not use "impossible" but a suitable replacement word):

  3. Original: There is no way to reverse the effects of global warming completely. Rewrite (use "impossible" or related word forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Given the current weather conditions, a successful summit of the mountain today is absolutely impossible.
  2. While the task is undeniably challenging, our team has the expertise to overcome it with careful planning.
  3. Without a valid access card, entering the restricted data center will be impossible.
  4. The new regulations make it financially impractical for small businesses to comply without significant government subsidies.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Impossible
  2. B) Complex, C) Demanding
  3. D) Impossible
  4. B) Unfeasible, D) Impractical
  5. B) Impossible

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: The limited budget makes it impossible for us to meet the deadline.
  2. Rewrite: Achieving universal access to clean water in developing nations is an incredibly daunting task.
  3. Rewrite: The complete reversal of global warming's effects is an impossibility.

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