barely possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is only just achievable or feasible, often implying that it is difficult or unlikely. Example: "With the current resources, completing the project on time is barely possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they are physically just barely possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

But getting off the tee was barely possible.

Independent

It's barely possible to overstate the significance of this Bible.

The New York Times

DiCaprio as handsome, violent, frightened Frank Wheeler? Barely possible.

The New Yorker

In fact, it is barely possible to convince people that you are going there at all.

The New York Times

"It's just barely possible to do it," he said of space flight.

The New York Times

Currently, it is barely possible to detect new drugs at the rate they appear.

The Guardian

It is barely possible to read this book and not feel the awakening of appetite.

The New York Times - Books

Even with everyone working at full speed it will be barely possible to meet the January 9th deadline.

The Economist

Others say it is barely possible to call the representation that clients receive in places like Quitman County "legal work".

The New York Times

POUND RIDGE, N.Y., July 25 - From the road, it is barely possible to see the home where Ari Fleischer lives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely possible", consider whether the context requires emphasizing the difficulty or uncertainty involved. If so, this phrase is a strong choice. If the focus is on the possibility itself, alternatives like "just achievable" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "barely possible" when the situation is clearly impossible or highly probable. This phrase conveys a sense of slim but existing possibility, not certainty or impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely possible" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state or action that is only just achievable or feasible. It indicates a low probability of success or a high degree of difficulty. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely possible" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations that are only just achievable. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys a sense of uncertainty and difficulty. It is versatile, appearing in neutral and professional registers. While the phrase is "barely possible", alternatives like "marginally feasible" or "scarcely achievable" can offer similar nuances. Use it wisely to communicate the fine line between what is achievable and what is not.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally feasible

Indicates a slight degree of feasibility, similar to "barely possible" but perhaps suggesting even less likelihood.

scarcely achievable

Emphasizes the difficulty in achieving something, making it only just possible.

hardly feasible

Highlights the lack of feasibility, suggesting that something is only just within the realm of possibility.

just achievable

Focuses on the fact that something can be achieved, but with difficulty or uncertainty.

narrowly attainable

Suggests that something can be attained, but only by a small margin or with great effort.

almost within reach

Emphasizes the nearness of something being achieved, but also its potential elusiveness.

conceivably doable

Indicates that something is doable, but only under specific circumstances or with some doubt.

potentially viable

Suggests that something has the potential to be viable, but its success is not guaranteed.

remotely practicable

Highlights the impracticality of something, making it only remotely possible.

faintly attainable

Implies a very small chance of attainment, making it barely possible.

FAQs

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

Use "barely possible" to describe a situation that is only just achievable or feasible. For example, "With the limited resources, completing the project on time is "barely possible"".

What's a more formal alternative to "barely possible"?

A more formal alternative could be "marginally feasible" or "scarcely attainable". These phrases convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional contexts.

Is "barely possible" the same as "impossible"?

No, "barely possible" means something is only just achievable, while "impossible" means it cannot be done. They are antonyms, not synonyms.

What can I say instead of "barely possible"?

You can use alternatives like "hardly feasible", "just achievable", or "narrowly attainable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.