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beyond the realm of possibility

To write clearly and concisely, use the adjective impossible instead of the wordy expression beyond the realm of possibility. Other choices include inconceivable, unimaginable or unthinkable.

  • Wordy: Preventing polio seemed beyond the realm of possibility in the 1940s.
  • Concise: Preventing polio seemed impossible in the 1940s.
  • Wordy: Space travel once seemed beyond the realm of possibility.
  • Concise: Space travel once seemed inconceivable.
  • Wordy: It is beyond the realm of possibility that John is guilty.
  • Concise: It is unimaginable (or unthinkable) that John is guilty.