How to express Possibility and Impossibility

Expressing Possibility and Impossibility

You can show possibility or impossibility by:

1. Asking about possibility/probability

• Is it possible to (that)...?
• Is there any possibility of..?
• What are chances of…?
• Chances are…
• Maybe/ perhaps/ could me..
• What’s the possibility of..?

2. Stating impossibility

• Impossible
• Not a chance!
• No way!

3. Stating possibility

• It’s impossible
• There’s good possibility that…
• That’s totally out of the questions.
• It’s impossible (to/ that)…
• There’s no chance of….
• It’s highly unlikely….

Let’s see the examples:

Dialogue 1
Henri : We’ve been waiting for two hours, but Ninin hasn’t come yet. It’s impossible she will come.
Johan : Maybe she has something more important to do.
Henri : Do you think so?
Johan : Yes, It’s possible. She never breaks her promise.
Henri : Perhaps she is ill.
Johan : It’s impossible. She looked healthy yesterday


Dialogue 2
Alwi : The National examination is only a few weeks left. It’s possible for us to prepare more intensively
Diah : Perhaps we should join the study club
Alwi : Yes, it’s one of the best way to do but it’s impossible for me to join the study club
Diah : Why is it impossible for you?
Alwi : It will cost much fare and I have no enough money.
Diah : Maybe I can help you.
Alwi : Is it possible? How can you help me?
Diah : I will lend you some money.
Alwi : Thank you, how kind you are