almost possible

USAGE SUMMARY

'almost possible' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is close to being possible, but not quite attainable. For example, you could say: "She worked hard, but the odds of success were almost impossible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Until Sunday, it was almost possible to believe Tyson Gay.

The New Yorker

At one point, the dream seemed almost possible.

The Economist

By Nicholas Thompson July 14 , 2013Until Sunday, it was almost possible to believe Tyson Gay.

The New Yorker

I have early detection, and the earliest stage that is really, almost, possible to be detected".

The New York Times

And that's why it's almost possible to forgive Steve Russell when he starts speaking in tongues.

The Guardian - Business

It's almost possible, in 2010, to imagine her played by Meryl Streep in a film.

The New York Times - Books

In between swerves and plummets, it is almost possible to doze off.

The New York Times

Her phrases have such personality that it was almost possible to overlook a corresponding lack in the performers.

The New York Times - Arts

But for once, it was almost possible to believe that Fox hadn't loaded the dice against Obama.

The New Yorker

It is almost possible to hide something in such a way that it is, in principle, not detectable.

The Guardian

Learning a new language while you sleep makes the story of Huxley's Polish boy seem almost possible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost possible" to convey a sense of near-attainment or potential, rather than absolute certainty. It's effective for expressing situations where success is not guaranteed but still within reach.

Common error

Avoid using "almost possible" when the situation is truly impossible or highly improbable. This can mislead the reader into thinking there is a genuine chance of success when there is not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost possible" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the degree to which something can be achieved. It indicates a state that is close to being attainable, feasible, or achievable, but not entirely so. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost possible" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is close to being achievable but not quite. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to convey the appropriate level of certainty and avoid overstating the likelihood of success. Alternatives include nearly feasible, virtually achievable, and potentially viable, each offering a slightly different nuance. Remember that while the goal may seem "almost possible", ensure that you don't mislead your audience by implying an unattainable level of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly feasible

Replaces "possible" with "feasible", indicating practicality.

virtually achievable

Substitutes "almost" with "virtually" and "possible" with "achievable", emphasizing attainment.

conceivably attainable

Uses "conceivably" for a slight degree of doubt and "attainable" instead of "possible".

potentially viable

Replaces "possible" with "viable", suggesting a working solution.

within the realm of possibility

Expresses the idea of possibility in a more descriptive way.

on the verge of being realized

Emphasizes the nearness to actualization.

just about doable

An informal alternative using "doable" for "possible".

not entirely out of the question

Expresses a weaker degree of possibility with a double negative.

approaching feasibility

Highlights the progress towards being feasible.

barely within reach

Indicates a difficult but potentially successful outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "almost possible" in a sentence?

You can use "almost possible" to describe situations that are close to being achievable or feasible, but not quite. For example: "With additional funding, completing the project on time is "almost possible"."

What are some alternatives to saying "almost possible"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "nearly feasible", "virtually achievable", or "potentially viable" as alternatives to "almost possible".

Is there a difference between "almost possible" and "barely possible"?

Yes, "almost possible" implies a higher likelihood of success than "barely possible". "Almost possible" suggests that with a little more effort or luck, the goal can be achieved. "Barely possible" indicates it's only just feasible and may require significant effort or luck.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "almost possible"?

It's inappropriate to use "almost possible" when describing situations that are clearly impossible or highly improbable. Doing so can create false hope or mislead the audience about the realistic chances of success.