In fact, he suspected that intelligent dialogue would be almost impossible by any other means.

That had been impossible, by the rules of all magic as he knew it.

The vigor of the new economy is almost impossible to judge by standard statistics.

That is, if such an outcome wasn't made impossible by forces beyond Nikolas's control.

Approach was impossible by the front, for the huge cliff offered no landing place.

"For this to do what it does is impossible by any science I understand."

It's just that they are trying hard to be unconscious, which is impossible by definition.

I suggest that communication would be impossible by our methods.

If you said yourself that it was impossible by telephone.