I could conceivably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I could conceivably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or hypothetical situation that may occur under certain circumstances. Example: "I could conceivably finish the project by the end of the week if I stay focused and work efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

So I went back down and sat on the bottom step of the front stairs, a position from which I could conceivably not have heard a thing.

The New Yorker

So, yes, I could conceivably survive, as I don't rely on the pittance that comes my way from music streaming, as could Yorke and some of the others.

The Guardian - Music

"She had a terrible crush on me, but I was interested in seventeen-year-old girls — women I could conceivably get somewhere with".

The New Yorker

"I could conceivably get sent five new kids next week who are dysfunctional," Mr. Kelly said, "but I would say that now, this past year, we just turned a big corner".

The New York Times

"Out of frustration, I responded that the POI restrictions were absurd and sarcastically told him if I really wanted to harm myself, I could conceivably do so with the elastic waistband of my underwear or with my flip-flops".

The New York Times

"I think I was 12. Somebody knocked on our door to canvass and I said, 'Can I join?' and I gave them £6, which was as much as I could conceivably afford".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I think it could conceivably happen, but to what end?

The Guardian

As we saw earlier, this criterion maintains that in order for X to be identical to Y, X must be uniquely psychologically continuous with Y. Psychological continuity is potentially a branching, one-many relation, i.e., it could conceivably hold between me-now and more than one person in the future.

SEP

Under this ruling, it could conceivably be one apartment.

The New York Times

And it could conceivably end with someone in jail.

The New York Times

I suppose you could conceivably argue, generously, that with volume comes clarification.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I could conceivably" to introduce a possibility that relies on certain conditions being met. Be clear about those conditions for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I could conceivably" when you intend to express a high degree of certainty. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or contingency that should align with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I could conceivably" functions as a modal phrase, indicating a possibility or potential contingent on certain circumstances. It introduces a degree of uncertainty or conditionality, suggesting that the outcome is not guaranteed but is within the realm of possibility. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"I could conceivably" is a versatile modal phrase used to express a qualified possibility or hypothetical scenario. It suggests that an outcome is possible, but dependent on specific conditions or circumstances. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it leans toward a neutral to slightly formal register. While alternatives like "I might possibly" exist, "I could conceivably" adds a nuanced layer of conditionality. It is prevalent in News & Media and Science, indicating its use in informed and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I might possibly

Replaces "conceivably" with "possibly", reducing the degree of contingency and making it a more straightforward statement of possibility.

I can potentially

Substitutes "conceivably" with "potentially", emphasizing the inherent capacity or ability to do something.

I may be able to

Expresses a slightly weaker degree of certainty compared to "I could conceivably", focusing on the ability rather than the likelihood.

I might be in a position to

Introduces a condition or circumstance that would enable the action, making it a more conditional statement.

It's conceivable that I can

Shifts the emphasis from the speaker to the conceivability of the action, adding a layer of detachment.

I suppose I could

Suggests a reluctant or less enthusiastic acceptance of the possibility.

I can imagine myself

Focuses on the speaker's ability to envision themselves doing something, rather than the likelihood of it happening.

I predict I might

Adds an element of prediction or forecasting to the possibility.

I anticipate I am able to

Indicates a degree of expectation or preparation for the possibility.

I wouldn't rule out the possibility of

Expresses the openness to a specific potential scenario

FAQs

How can I use "I could conceivably" in a sentence?

Use "I could conceivably" to express a possibility or potential outcome that depends on specific conditions or circumstances. For example, "I could conceivably finish the project by Friday if I work late each night".

What are some alternatives to "I could conceivably"?

Alternatives include "I might possibly", "I can potentially", or "I may be able to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "I could conceivably" formal or informal?

"I could conceivably" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional or academic writing but may sound somewhat stilted in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "I might possibly" in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "I could conceivably" and "I could potentially"?

While similar, "I could conceivably" emphasizes the conditions that would need to be met for something to happen, while "I could potentially" focuses more on the inherent possibility or capacity. Use "I could potentially" when highlighting capability, and "I could conceivably" when highlighting conditional factors.