conceivable possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"conceivable possibility" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing something that can be imagined or thought of as a potential outcome. For example: "In a conceivable possibility, we might find a solution to the problem." Alternative expressions include "imaginable scenario" and "plausible option."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It's a more conceivable possibility than we've seen in several years," said Don Cassidy, senior research analyst at Lipper, a Reuters unit that tracks fund data.

The New York Times

One conceivable possibility is the extensive epigenetic remodeling in the form of altered DNA methylation that occurred in many genomic loci in this introgression line is responsible for the down-regulated expression of these analyzed genes under the salt tress condition (Liu et al. 2004).

Rice

Whatever it is, our drinking game will have you prepared for every conceivable possibility.

Huffington Post

As many cell types acquire resistance to certain cell death stimuli upon entering the state of senescence, it is a conceivable possibility that a subtype of P2Y14 KO HSPCs may engage senescence as an attempt to escape IR-induced cell death.

Cell Death and Disease

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

There are three conceivable possibilities.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

There are two conceivable possibilities for the formation of this lactate gradient.

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

In the 'primary' sense conceivability entails possibility, and it is conceivable that water should have been a substance chemically different from H2O.

SEP

Also conceivable is the possibility that the Serengeti-transformed stock was a mixed stock containing both more "typical" buffalo-derived strains as well as a strain similar to cattle-derived isolates and very similar to Muguga, with the latter being preferentially selected during recurrent passage.

BMC Genomics

Whatever is conceivable is possible.

University of California, Berkeley

These are just some of the countless possibilities conceivable when our world is observed from on-high every day or week, rather than the years it can currently take to completely update our planet's imagery on services such as Google Earth.

BBC

But no such possibility seems conceivable at present.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conceivable possibility", ensure you're emphasizing that while the event is possible, it might not be probable or likely. This adds nuance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "conceivable possibility" when you actually want to convey a high degree of certainty or likelihood. Using it in such cases can dilute the strength of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceivable possibility" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "conceivable" modifies the noun "possibility". According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe scenarios that are imaginable or within the realm of possibility, but not necessarily probable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceivable possibility" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an outcome that is possible, though not necessarily probable. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans both scientific and journalistic contexts. While not exceptionally common, it serves the purpose of introducing potential scenarios without asserting a high degree of likelihood. Related phrases include "plausible scenario" and "feasible option", offering alternatives depending on the specific nuance desired. When employing this phrase, ensure that you are accurately conveying the level of likelihood you intend, avoiding overstatements or understatements of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plausible scenario

Replaces both words with synonyms conveying a similar degree of likelihood.

feasible option

Substitutes "conceivable" with a word that emphasizes practicality and achievability.

realistic prospect

Highlights the grounded and practical nature of the potential outcome.

viable alternative

Suggests a route that is both possible and capable of succeeding.

imaginable outcome

Emphasizes the capacity to envision the result, though not necessarily probable.

potential development

Focuses on the idea of future growth or unfolding events.

likely event

Replaces both words with synonyms highlighting a higher probability.

credible expectation

Suggests the possibility is believable and reasonable to anticipate.

thinkable circumstance

Emphasizes the capacity to consider the situation, regardless of its probability.

believable contingency

Highlights the reliance on chance or unforeseen events within the realm of credibility.

FAQs

How can I use "conceivable possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "conceivable possibility" to introduce an outcome that is possible but not necessarily likely. For example, "It is a "conceivable possibility" that the negotiations will fail."

What are some alternatives to "conceivable possibility"?

Alternatives include "plausible scenario", "feasible option", or "realistic prospect", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "conceivable possibility"?

While "conceivable" inherently implies possibility, the phrase "conceivable possibility" can be used for emphasis to highlight that something is within the realm of what can be imagined or considered, even if it is not highly probable.

Which is more appropriate: "conceivable possibility" or "likely possibility"?

"Conceivable possibility" suggests something is possible but not necessarily probable, while "likely possibility" suggests a higher degree of probability. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual likelihood of the event.