but possibly more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but possibly more" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that there may be additional information, quantity, or extent beyond what has already been mentioned. Example: "The project will take two weeks, but possibly more if we encounter any unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The goal is not just to create the required amount but possibly more than that".

The New York Times

They understand that the introduction of fact does not necessarily make fiction more real but possibly more strange.

The New York Times

Set in a disused military aircraft hangar, it is smaller than the Long Museum, but possibly more interesting.

The Economist

The virtual grid consists of a few, but possibly more powerful, mobile nodes known as ClusterHeads (CHs) that are elected periodically.

Computer Communications

The more difficult, but possibly more effective, route is to mimic the natural process through which the Mississippi created land over the past 7,000 years.

The Guardian

But possibly more important, the e-mail message explains why Mr. Rusnak said he needed the loan: "I have come to you with a problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Which might not sound wildly appetising but is possibly more so than steamed diesel particulates.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While Shaw has the stronger résumé, Kidd brings assets that are more difficult to quantify but are possibly more valuable.

The New York Times - Sports

The cachet of having a home as a film shoot location, she ventured, generates not only buzz but also, possibly, more interest from potential buyers.

The New York Times

Just as television eventually gave us William Bernbach, David Ogilvy and Leo Burnett, the connected age will yield a new generation of men (and women, thankfully) just as mad – and just as creative, but quite possibly more effective.

The Guardian

But with possibly more than one billion Tweets out there, how do you know which ones to pay attention to?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but possibly more" to introduce an additional consideration or quantity that might exceed initial expectations, adding depth and nuance to your statement. For instance, "The budget is set at $1 million, but possibly more depending on unforeseen expenses."

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple qualifiers like "but quite possibly even more" as this can dilute the impact of your statement and make it sound hesitant or verbose. Choose the most effective qualifier to convey the degree of uncertainty or addition you intend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but possibly more" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, modifying a preceding clause to introduce a potential addition or increase. As evidenced by Ludwig, it connects contrasting ideas while suggesting a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but possibly more" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase used to introduce a potential increase or addition, frequently employed in both news and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, it's best practice to use this phrase judiciously and not overuse qualifiers. Consider alternatives such as "but potentially more" or "but perhaps even more" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but potentially more

Emphasizes unrealized possibility and future potential rather than current probability.

but perhaps even more

Adds stronger uncertainty to the addition than "possibly".

but maybe even more

Uses a more informal alternative for "perhaps" adding uncertainty.

but it could be more

Shifts from adverbial modification to a full clause, adding a more conversational tone.

but there might be more

Introduces the possibility with an existential clause, softening the assertion.

but conceivably more

Highlights the conceivability or imaginability of a larger amount.

but even more could exist

Frames possibility as the potential existence of something extra.

but perhaps a greater amount

Replaces "more" with "a greater amount", highlighting quantity rather than degree.

but an even higher number

Substitutes "more" with "an even higher number", focusing specifically on numerical value.

but more than expected

Implies that the quantity surpasses an initial estimation or expectation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but possibly more" is used to indicate that there is a chance that something could be greater or additional to what has already been mentioned. For example: "The project will take two weeks, "but possibly more" if we encounter any unforeseen challenges."

What are some alternatives to "but possibly more"?

You can use alternatives like "but potentially more", "but perhaps even more", or "but maybe even more" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "but possibly more" or "but potentially more"?

Both ""but possibly more"" and "but potentially more" are correct, but "possibly" implies a higher likelihood than "potentially". Choose the word that best reflects the degree of likelihood you want to convey.

What does "but possibly more" imply in a sentence?

The phrase "but possibly more" introduces an element of uncertainty and the potential for a greater extent or quantity than what has been initially specified. It suggests that the provided information might not be exhaustive and there's a chance for additional elements or a higher degree.