I thought possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I thought possibly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or a tentative idea about something you considered. Example: "I thought possibly we could meet next week to discuss the project further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Health

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I thought, possibly fancifully, that I could detect a Scottish type in his lean, wiry face.

The Guardian - Sport

"But I was concerned because I thought possibly my treatment wasn't working anymore.

The New York Times - Health

If I didn't marry Sasha, he would be stuck in the Soviet Union, I thought, possibly forever.

The New York Times

"I thought possibly if we could control the midfield, we could get a counterattack on them.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I think possibly 140 million would flunk your test".

The Guardian - Business

"My personal opinion is I think possibly he should be reassigned," he said.

The New York Times

"Some things about the play were, I think, possibly even more beautiful than the films.

The Guardian

I think possibly they have," she said, in a piece in the Times.

The Guardian - Books

I think possibly with her mother there's some sexual jealousy, she doesn't want Tina to find happiness.

The Guardian - Film

I think possibly I had some secret hope I would be cast as one of them – I even called one of the characters [in Widows] Linda.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I think possibly I had some secret hope I would be cast as one of them – I even called one of the characters [in Widows] Linda.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I thought possibly" to introduce an idea that you considered but are not entirely sure about. This conveys a sense of tentativeness and invites further discussion.

Common error

Avoid stacking too many qualifying adverbs and phrases like "I thought possibly maybe perhaps". This can make your writing sound indecisive and weaken your message. Choose the most appropriate qualifier and use it sparingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I thought possibly" functions as a hedge, softening a statement and indicating uncertainty or tentativeness. It expresses a thought that was considered, but not necessarily acted upon or fully believed. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying verbs, adding a layer of speculation to actions or states.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I thought possibly" is a grammatically sound but infrequently used expression indicating a tentative consideration or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and is best employed to introduce an idea with a degree of uncertainty, most commonly found in News & Media. While it can be useful for softening statements, overusing qualifiers like these can dilute the impact of your writing. Consider alternative phrases like "I considered possibly" for similar meaning. Overall, while accurate, exercise restraint in its use to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I considered possibly

Replaces "thought" with "considered", emphasizing the act of deliberation.

I had thought possibly

Uses the past perfect tense, suggesting a prior consideration.

I imagined possibly

Emphasizes imagining a scenario.

I entertained the possibility

More formal; replaces "thought possibly" with a noun phrase.

I conceived of perhaps

Uses more elevated vocabulary, emphasizing initial idea formation.

I had in mind maybe

Informal and emphasizes a rough plan or consideration.

I speculated potentially

Focuses on making a guess based on incomplete information.

I mused about perhaps

Suggests reflective thought about something.

I contemplated conceivably

Highlights the act of deep thinking about a possibility.

Maybe I thought

Inverts the phrase structure for emphasis on the uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I thought possibly" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "I entertained the possibility" or "I contemplated conceivably" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "I thought possibly" and "I possibly thought"?

"I thought possibly" places more emphasis on the act of thinking, while "I possibly thought" emphasizes the uncertainty of the thought itself. The difference is subtle but can affect the tone.

When is it appropriate to use "I thought possibly" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to express a tentative idea or a consideration that you had, but you're not entirely certain about. It adds a layer of uncertainty and invites further exploration of the idea.

Are there any synonyms for "possibly" that I can use in place of "I thought possibly"?

Yes, you can use words like "perhaps", "maybe", or phrases such as "it is conceivable" to convey a similar meaning of uncertainty or possibility.