but only possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but only possibly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something may or may not be true or applicable, suggesting uncertainty. Example: "The results of the experiment were inconclusive, but only possibly due to the small sample size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But only possibly.

The Guardian

It resulted in the failure to detect a significant fault in the helicopter's gearbox, which possibly - but only possibly - resulted in the crash".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That this is a non-issue is astonishing, historically speaking, and highlights the fact that an out LGBTQ justice is now not only possible but possibly imminent.

Vice

But this could only possibly be the case if the educated women in question had managed to avoid all mainstream media for every second since puberty.

Independent

The SNP could only possibly take one seat off the Conservatives.

The Guardian

It's when you are in that state of mind that you can only possibly win.

The Guardian

It determines that combining Kanban and FOSS is not only possibly, but it also experienced as beneficial by contributors.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

In a wire of a given diameter of 100 nm, the energy transfer is not only possibly parallel, but also perpendicular to the wire axis.

Nanoscale Research Letters

We show that automated extraction of emotional arcs is not only possibly, but can test previous theories and provide new insights with the potential to quantify unobserved trends as the field transitions from data-scarce to data-rich [16, 17].

EPJ Data Science

One death was considered only "possibly related" to clobazam.

Epilepsia

Of course not, but possibly only on the "he-may-be-black-but-he's-one-of-ours-so-that's-OK" principle.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but only possibly" to introduce a qualification or limitation to a statement, indicating uncertainty or a conditional aspect. Ensure the context clearly supports the need for this nuanced approach.

Common error

Avoid using "but only possibly" excessively, as it can weaken your writing and make it sound hesitant. Opt for stronger, more direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but only possibly" functions as a qualifying conjunction. It introduces an element of uncertainty or conditionality, limiting the scope or applicability of the preceding statement. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but only possibly" is a grammatically correct, albeit infrequent, phrase used to introduce uncertainty or conditionality. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. It is typically found in neutral contexts like news media and scientific writing and serves to express doubt or reservation. Alternative phrases like "but perhaps only" or "but just possibly" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When writing, it is important to avoid overuse and ensure that its nuanced meaning is appropriate for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but just possibly

Emphasizes the slight chance or possibility of something.

but perhaps only

Replaces "possibly" with "perhaps", offering a slightly more formal tone.

but maybe only

Uses "maybe" for a more informal and conversational tone.

but only potentially

Highlights the potential, rather than the certainty, of an outcome.

but if at all

Indicates a condition that might not be met.

but solely perhaps

Emphasizes exclusivity with 'solely', offering a formal tone.

but maybe exclusively

Suggests something might be limited to a specific case.

but exclusively if

Indicates that something is conditional and limited to a specific circumstance.

but purely on the chance

Emphasizes the element of chance or luck.

but strictly on the off chance

Suggests a remote possibility or slim hope.

FAQs

How can I use "but only possibly" in a sentence?

Use "but only possibly" to introduce a degree of uncertainty or conditionality to a statement. For example: "The issue might be resolved through negotiation, "but only possibly" if both parties are willing to compromise."

What's a more formal alternative to "but only possibly"?

A more formal alternative could be "but perhaps only" or "however, it is only potentially". These options maintain the sense of uncertainty in a more sophisticated manner.

Is "but only possibly" interchangeable with "but just possibly"?

Yes, "but just possibly" is very similar in meaning to "but only possibly". The choice between them depends on the desired tone, with "just" lending a slightly more casual feel.

How does "but only possibly" differ from "but only certainly"?

"But only possibly" introduces uncertainty, while "but only certainly" expresses assurance. They are antonyms and used in opposite contexts to convey different levels of confidence.