as seems possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as seems possible" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express uncertainty or a possibility. Example: As seems possible, the company may have to make budget cuts in the upcoming year. In this sentence, the phrase is used to indicate that making budget cuts is a possibility, but it is not certain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In fact, considering how exacting the music is in every department, as perfect an ensemble is attained as seems possible.

The Guardian

But a double-digit loss, as seems possible based on the polls, is a decidedly subpar result for them.

The New York Times

And what if — as seems possible — "The Lightning Field" were to survive after there were no longer people left to see it?

The New Yorker

If, as seems possible, Mr Thaksin's party, Thai Rak Thai, emerges on top again and is able to form a government, the opposition must accept the result.

The Economist

"As such, if things turn out of control as seems possible with Portugal, [Spain] should do everything possible to improve its situation," he said.

Independent

Even if, as seems possible, there is no real threat to our security in having United States port operations run by the United Arab Emirates, this is a deal that should have never been approved.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

How different would the N.F.L. be today if Raiders owner Al Davis — and not Pete Rozelle — had become commissioner, as seemed possible when the A.F.L. and N.F.L. merged?

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, rescues are the priority as the authorities rightly guard against one collapse triggering others, as seemed possible after Lehman went down.

The Economist

Instead of collapsing in a heap, as seemed possible two years ago, the currency club is not just intact but has a new member, Latvia, which joined in January.

The Economist

There is a strain of thinking in the administration, and among some experts, that Syria could return to its promising role as a partner in an agreement with Israel, as seemed possible in the 1990's.

The New York Times

Beatty had big, big successes ("Bonnie and Clyde," "Shampoo," "Heaven Can Wait") and big, big failures ("Ishtar," "Love Affair," "Town and Country"), but in general he didn't do as much as seemed possible for him.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as seems possible" to introduce a statement or idea that is plausible but not definitively confirmed. This adds a layer of nuance to your writing, acknowledging uncertainty while still presenting a potential outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "as seems possible" when the likelihood is very high or very low. The phrase is best suited for scenarios where the probability is moderate and there's genuine uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as seems possible" functions as an introductory phrase or adverbial clause, modifying the main clause by expressing a degree of uncertainty or probability. As Ludwig AI notes, it's grammatically correct and used to express a possibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as seems possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, especially in the domains of news, media, and scientific discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to introduce a statement with a degree of probability or possibility. While not overly formal, its use suggests thoughtful consideration, making it suitable for contexts where acknowledging uncertainty is important. When using this phrase, consider the nuances of probability and context to ensure its accurate and effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as appears feasible

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "possible" with "feasible", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

as is conceivable

Replaces "possible" with "conceivable", suggesting something is within the realm of imagination or understanding.

as is imaginable

Similar to "as is conceivable", but emphasizes the capacity to be imagined.

as looks likely

Uses "looks likely" instead of "seems possible", offering a slightly more informal tone.

as is potentially the situation

Formally states a potential state of affairs.

as may be the case

Presents the possibility as a potential reality, slightly more formal.

as might occur

Focuses on the potential occurrence or happening of something.

as could happen

Emphasizes the potential for something to occur, focusing on the action.

as the circumstances suggest

Indicates that the possibility is based on current conditions or observations.

as one might expect

Implies that the possibility is somewhat predictable or logical.

FAQs

How do I use "as seems possible" in a sentence?

Use "as seems possible" to introduce a situation or outcome that you believe is plausible but not certain. For example: "As seems possible, the meeting will be postponed."

What can I say instead of "as seems possible"?

You can use alternatives like "as appears feasible", "as looks likely", or "as may be the case" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal alternative to "as seems possible"?

Yes, phrases like "as is potentially the situation" or "as is conceivable" offer a more formal tone while conveying a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "as seems possible" and "as is likely"?

"As seems possible" implies a degree of uncertainty, suggesting something is plausible but not confirmed. "As is likely" indicates a higher probability, suggesting the outcome is more probable than not.