but possibly a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but possibly a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a suggestion or uncertainty about a particular subject or item. Example: "The results indicate a trend, but possibly a temporary one that may change in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The tantalising possibility of a Mengelberg appearance was no voyeuristic activity, but possibly a last chance for British audiences to cheer one of the true giants of European free-jazz in person.

The Guardian - Music

"But possibly a lot more," Goldberg said.

The New Yorker

but possibly a little more.

The Guardian

Desperate no, but possibly a little tight.

The New York Times - Sports

"The evidence is currently pointing to there being no foul play, but possibly a tragic accident.

Independent

Cheese would be lovely too, but possibly a case of gilding the lily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's wonderful too in other ways, but possibly a temporary situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a flawed technique for entering a building, but possibly a useful approach to life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Sailors Nick Rogers and Joe Glanfield float into view in their men's 470 class boat at around 6am, but possibly an even hotter prospect in some water (at least for a bit) is World Champion triathlete Helen Tucker.

The Guardian - Sport

He would insinuate that she was unfeminine, that her sterility - rarely spoken of, but possibly an element in her complicated personality - was the opposite of Marie-Thérèse's gentle and curvaceous fertility.

The Guardian - Books

- Julius Caesar, (too good a quote to ignore but possibly an urban legend).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but possibly a" to introduce a secondary possibility or explanation, especially when contrasting it with a more obvious or primary one. For instance, "The project might be delayed due to weather, but possibly a lack of funding could also contribute."

Common error

While "but possibly a" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound hesitant. Instead, consider stronger, more direct alternatives or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but possibly a" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing an alternative or less obvious possibility. It connects a previous statement with a subsequent suggestion, indicating uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in a written context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but possibly a" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to introduce an alternative explanation or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously in formal writing to avoid weakening the impact of your statements. Alternatives such as "but perhaps a" or "but maybe a" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but perhaps a

Replaces "possibly" with "perhaps", indicating a slightly weaker degree of possibility.

but maybe a

Substitutes "possibly" with "maybe", offering a more informal alternative to express uncertainty.

but conceivably a

Replaces "possibly" with "conceivably", suggesting that something is within the realm of possibility, though not necessarily likely.

but potentially a

Substitutes "possibly" with "potentially", emphasizing the inherent possibility for something to occur or develop.

but could be a

Uses "could be" to replace "possibly a", offering a more direct expression of possibility.

but might be a

Uses "might be" instead of "possibly a", expressing a similar level of uncertainty or chance.

but it's possibly a

Adds "it's" to emphasize that the statement is a possibility. Adds more emphasis.

but there's possibly a

Adds "there's" to focus on the existence of a possibility, rather than just the possibility itself.

but it is conceivable that

Transforms the phrase into a clause, offering a more formal way to express the possibility.

but it may be the case that

Introduces a more formal and tentative tone, suggesting a degree of uncertainty about the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "but possibly a" to introduce an alternative explanation or possibility, often in contrast to a more obvious or previously stated reason. For example: "The delay might be due to technical issues, but possibly a lack of communication is also to blame."

What phrases are similar to "but possibly a"?

Alternatives include "but perhaps a", "but maybe a", or "but potentially a", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to use "but possibly a" or "but probably a"?

Use "but possibly a" when highlighting a less certain or secondary possibility. Use "but probably a" when suggesting something is more likely than other options. The choice depends on the degree of confidence you want to convey.

Can "but possibly a" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "but possibly a" is acceptable in formal writing, but it should be used sparingly to avoid weakening the impact of your statements. In some cases, a more direct or assertive phrasing might be preferable.