this surprise could not have happened vs This surprise could not be possible

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'This surprise could not have happened' implies that the surprise did not occur, while 'this surprise could not be possible' suggests that the surprise is not feasible or likely. The choice between the two depends on the intended meaning.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 148 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that a specific surprise did not occur.

"this surprise could not have happened"

This phrase is used to express that a particular surprise did not take place or was not a reality.

Examples:

Given the circumstances, this surprise could not have happened.
I'm certain this surprise could not have happened without someone's help.

Show examples from the web [+]

this surprise could not have happened
Under those layers, an unwelcome surprise could await you.
The surprise could be the on-line supplying of samples, documents, excerpts to exchange information for free.
I must say, this surprises me.
This surprise attack is a last roll of the die.
No, this surprise is buried deep in the program.
I have to plan this surprise party for my friend.
We all put in together to give you this surprise.
This surprise success precipitated the American Sputnik crisis and triggered the Space Race, a part of the Cold War.
We enter the core of this surprise.
In the indescribable chaos that followed this surprise action, many ships were sunk and others captured.
And this surprises us, just waiting.
How many nasty surprises could I have avoided!
And all these surprises could be yours! Meet the holidays with Hippo, open Advent Calendar and get involved into funny winter adventures.
Makes me give at the knees, this surprise of yours.
Your Honor, I object to this surprise witness.
What is this surprise, Donnie Hendrix?
Many military tacticians regard this surprise entrance to Bukhara as one of the most successful maneuvers in warfare.
Dude, this is even better than the ferret, and I highly doubt this surprise will die in your wall.
This surprises me because of his lack of fold equity on the turn, I put him on a much stronger hand.
Did you organize this surprise for me?

Alternatives:

this surprise did not happen
this surprise was not possible

This phrase is correct and can be used to convey that a surprise is not feasible or likely to happen.

"This surprise could not be possible"

This phrase is employed to express that a specific surprise is not within the realm of possibility or likelihood.

Examples:

Considering the circumstances, this surprise could not be possible.
Given the constraints, this surprise could not be possible.

Show examples from the web [+]

This surprise could not be possible
Under those layers, an unwelcome surprise could await you.
The surprise could be the on-line supplying of samples, documents, excerpts to exchange information for free.
I must say, this surprises me.
This surprise attack is a last roll of the die.
No, this surprise is buried deep in the program.
I have to plan this surprise party for my friend.
We all put in together to give you this surprise.
This surprise success precipitated the American Sputnik crisis and triggered the Space Race, a part of the Cold War.
We enter the core of this surprise.
In the indescribable chaos that followed this surprise action, many ships were sunk and others captured.
And this surprises us, just waiting.
How many nasty surprises could I have avoided!
And all these surprises could be yours! Meet the holidays with Hippo, open Advent Calendar and get involved into funny winter adventures.
Makes me give at the knees, this surprise of yours.
Your Honor, I object to this surprise witness.
What is this surprise, Donnie Hendrix?
Many military tacticians regard this surprise entrance to Bukhara as one of the most successful maneuvers in warfare.
Dude, this is even better than the ferret, and I highly doubt this surprise will die in your wall.
This surprises me because of his lack of fold equity on the turn, I put him on a much stronger hand.
Did you organize this surprise for me?

Alternatives:

this surprise is not possible
this surprise is unlikely

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

this surprise could not have happened vs This surprise could not be possible