but possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but possibly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a suggestion or an alternative that may or may not be true or applicable. Example: "We could go to the beach, but possibly we should consider the weather first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But possibly.

Independent

But possibly not all.

The Economist

But possibly pale blue streaks.

The Economist

But possibly not.

The Guardian - Film

Appalling, but possibly true.

The Guardian - Books

It is magnificent diplomacy, but possibly madness.

The Economist

Tough competition for the title, but possibly.

Independent

"But possibly a lot more," Goldberg said.

The New Yorker

but possibly a little more.

The Guardian

But possibly also some shocks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Obviously, but possibly not relevant here).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "but possibly" to soften assertions or predictions, making your statements less absolute and more open to other possibilities.

Common error

While "but possibly" is acceptable, avoid its overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Substitute with more precise terms like "however", "nevertheless", or "it is conceivable that" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but possibly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two contrasting ideas while expressing uncertainty about the second. It introduces a qualification or alternative that is presented as a possibility, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but possibly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used conjunction phrase that introduces a contrasting idea with a degree of uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across varied contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in formal writing and to be mindful of the specific shade of meaning when choosing alternatives. Its function is to hedge a statement, its communicative purpose is to express uncertainty, and its register is neutral. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "but possibly" to add depth and balance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though possibly

A direct synonym with minimal variation in tone or implication, offering straightforward substitutability.

yet potentially

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for something to happen or become real, highlighting its untapped possibilities.

although perhaps

Combines contrast with uncertainty, fitting scenarios where the possibility is acknowledged despite conflicting factors.

even so plausibly

Implies that despite something, a plausible scenario exists, focusing on the believability of the possibility.

though conceivably

Emphasizes the possibility as something imaginable or thinkable, adding a layer of intellectual consideration.

while conceivably

Indicates that something is imaginable within a given context, adding a sense of intellectual feasibility.

however conceivably

Adds a contrastive element while suggesting possibility, making it suitable when presenting an alternative viewpoint.

yet imaginably

Highlights the capacity to be imagined, differing in emphasizing the act of imagining the possibility.

nonetheless feasibly

Suggests that despite obstacles, something remains practically possible, shifting focus to practicality.

but perchance

Introduces a more archaic or literary tone, suggesting the possibility is somewhat whimsical or less certain.

FAQs

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

"But possibly" is used to introduce a contrasting idea that might be true. For example, "The experiment could fail, but possibly it will succeed beyond our expectations."

What are some alternatives to "but possibly"?

You can use alternatives like "though perhaps", "yet potentially", or "however conceivably" to express a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "but possibly"?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with "but possibly" can sometimes sound informal. Consider restructuring the sentence or using an alternative conjunction like "however" for a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "but possibly" and "but probably"?

"But possibly" suggests a potential outcome that may or may not occur, while "but probably" indicates a higher likelihood of the alternative outcome happening. The choice depends on the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.