be possible to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be possible to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the feasibility or capability of something occurring or being done. Example: "It would be possible to complete the project by the deadline if we work efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Will it be possible to tell?

The Guardian

It should be possible to control it".

The Guardian

Would it be possible to meet him?

The New Yorker

It may not be possible to prevent.

The Guardian

That won't be possible to duplicate".

The New York Times - Sports

"It may not be possible to identify all of them".

The New York Times

It may be possible to do more than you think.

The New York Times - Health

It may never be possible to know for sure.

The New York Times - Tech

Sooner or later, it will be possible to vote online.

The New York Times - Magazine

It may not be possible to quantify a hit.

The New York Times

And it would be possible to engage in other areas.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be possible to" when you want to express the feasibility of an action or the potential for something to occur. It's often used to introduce a condition or a possibility that may not be immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid constructing overly passive sentences with "be possible to". Instead of saying "It may be possible to do..." consider "We might be able to do..." for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be possible to" functions as an infinitive phrase, often introducing a conditional statement or expressing a potential outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes the feasibility of an action or the potential for a certain result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be possible to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating feasibility or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's most common in news and media and scientific writing, serving to introduce conditional scenarios and potential outcomes. While versatile, be mindful of avoiding passive voice constructions for clearer and more engaging writing. Consider alternatives like "can" or "could" for less formal contexts, and remember that possibility differs from probability when choosing the most accurate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be feasible to

Implies practicality and suitability, suggesting that something can be done efficiently and effectively.

be achievable to

Highlights the attainability of a goal or outcome, suggesting that it can be reached with effort and planning.

be conceivable to

Focuses on the possibility of imagining or understanding something, indicating that it is within the realm of mental possibility.

be doable to

An informal way of saying something can be done without great difficulty.

be within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something falls under what is possible, even if unlikely.

be capable of being

Highlights the inherent ability of something to be in a certain state.

have the potential to

Focuses on the inherent capacity of something to develop or achieve a certain outcome.

be liable to

Suggests that something is likely to happen or be the case.

be subject to

Implies being conditioned or controlled by something else, such as rules, laws or circumstances.

is it an option to

Phrases a question about whether something can be chosen or selected as a course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "be possible to" in a sentence?

The phrase "be possible to" is used to indicate the feasibility or potential for something. For example, "It will "be possible to get" some information from HMRC" or "It may "be possible to allow" people unlimited sick days".

What are some alternatives to "be possible to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be feasible to", "be achievable to", or simply rephrase the sentence to use "can" or "may".

Is it more formal to use "be possible to"?

The phrase "be possible to" is generally neutral in tone. More formal alternatives might include "be feasible to", while less formal options include "can" or "could".

What's the difference between "be possible to" and "be probable to"?

"Be possible to" indicates that something can happen, whereas "be probable to" suggests that something is likely to happen. Possibility refers to potential, while probability refers to likelihood.