at all possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"at all possible" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to express the utmost degree of likelihood or possibility. For example, "Is it at all possible to reschedule the meeting?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And if at all possible, lozenge-shaped.

The New York Times

No rain, if at all possible.

The New York Times - Sports

"You attack it at all possible points".

The New York Times - Science

If at all possible, sit on grass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If at all possible travel with friends.

The Guardian

Avoid this if at all possible.

University of California, Berkeley

Best avoided if at all possible.

The Telegraph

"It is mentioned at all possible opportunities.

The Guardian

But is anonymity at all possible when everything is recorded?

International Journal of Information Management

"We're looking at all possible causes of this confusion".

The New York Times

"If at all possible we'll finish Sunday," Nicholson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at all possible" to emphasize that you want something to happen or be considered if there's even the slightest chance it can be done.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can sound less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "if feasible" or "where applicable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at all possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically qualifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition of possibility. It emphasizes the speaker's desire or willingness to undertake an action if it's feasible, even to the slightest degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at all possible" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to emphasize the importance of considering an action if there's any chance of it succeeding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and adaptable across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. However, while acceptable across most writing registers, in highly formal contexts it may be beneficial to swap it with more formal variants, such as "if practicable", "where applicable" or other alternatives depending on the desired focus. Remember to use "at all possible" to convey a strong preference and to encourage exploring even the slightest opportunity for success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as far as possible

Stresses the extent or degree to which something is achievable.

to the greatest extent possible

Indicates a maximum effort to achieve a goal.

if feasible

Focuses directly on feasibility, omitting the emphasis "at all" adds to possibility.

in any way possible

Focuses on the method or means of achieving something.

provided it is possible

Explicitly states the condition of possibility.

if practicable

Highlights the practical aspect, suitable when real-world application is key.

within the realm of possibility

Indicates something is theoretically achievable, but perhaps not practically so.

where applicable

Emphasizes conditional relevance rather than possibility.

contingent on possibility

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the action based on its feasibility.

if circumstances allow

Highlights dependence on external conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "at all possible" in a sentence?

You can use "at all possible" to express a desire or condition. For example, "If "at all possible", please submit your reports by Friday".

What's the difference between "if possible" and "at all possible"?

"At all possible" emphasizes the desire or need to consider something even if it seems unlikely, whereas "if possible" is a more general condition.

What can I say instead of "at all possible"?

Alternatives include "if feasible", "as far as possible", or "where applicable" depending on the context.

Is "at all possible" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, it might sound less formal than alternatives like "if practicable" or "should circumstances allow".