conceivably was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceivably was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that something is possible or imaginable in a past context. Example: "The outcome of the experiment, conceivably was influenced by external factors that were not accounted for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Color, conceivably, was more important than the brand.

The New York Times

A paper raises the prospect that the expert identified by the F.B.I. as the perpetrator who sent anthrax through the mail had help in obtaining his germ weapons or conceivably was innocent.

The New York Times

The new paper raises the prospect — for the first time in a serious scientific forum — that the Army biodefense expert identified by the F.B.I. as the perpetrator, Bruce E. Ivins, had help in obtaining his germ weapons or conceivably was innocent of the crime.

The New York Times - Science

This route of evolution conceivably was enabled by the virtual sequestration of intracellular parasites and symbionts from HGT and by the ensuing reduction of the effective population size 61, 62.

BioEssays

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr. Spitzer could conceivably be a panelist.

The New York Times

It could conceivably be either.

The Guardian - Film

But that, conceivably, is also an opportunity.

The New Yorker

Next May could conceivably be relevant.

The Guardian - Business

So he could conceivably be good again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But some of them, conceivably, are dead.

The Guardian - Film

A well-lubricated passenger might conceivably be freer-spending too.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceivably was" when you want to express a possibility or something that could be imagined to be true in a past context, but with a degree of uncertainty or speculation.

Common error

Avoid using "conceivably was" too frequently in formal or academic writing; opt for more direct and assertive language to maintain clarity and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceivably was" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a linking verb. It introduces an element of possibility or conjecture about a past state or event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability for expressing possible scenarios.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceivably was" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a degree of possibility or speculation about past events. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare. When aiming for clarity and directness, especially in formal contexts, consider using stronger alternatives. The expert rating highlights its correct usage and reliable sourcing, underscoring its value in expressing considered possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly was

Replaces "conceivably" with a more common synonym, indicating a degree of uncertainty.

imaginably was

Highlights the capacity to imagine a past scenario, similar to conceiving it.

arguably was

Suggests the statement is open to debate but has some basis for being considered true.

theoretically was

Emphasizes the statement is true in theory, even if not necessarily in practice.

potentially was

Focuses on the inherent possibility of the statement being true at some point in the past.

plausibly was

Implies the statement has a reasonable likelihood of being true.

hypothetically was

Positions the statement as part of a hypothetical or imagined scenario.

ostensibly was

Highlights the apparent or professed reason, possibly concealing a different truth.

seemingly was

Indicates that the situation appeared a certain way, but the reality might be different.

superficially was

Suggests that the statement was true only on the surface, not in deeper analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "conceivably was" in a sentence?

Use "conceivably was" to suggest that something might have been possible or imaginable in the past. For example: "The delay, conceivably was caused by unforeseen circumstances."

What's a more common alternative to "conceivably was"?

A more common alternative is "possibly was", which conveys a similar sense of possibility but is more frequently used in everyday language.

Is "conceivably was" formal or informal?

"Conceivably was" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, "maybe it was" or "perhaps it was" might be more appropriate.

What is the nuance between "conceivably was" and "possibly was"?

"Conceivably was" suggests something is within the realm of possibility and imaginable, while "possibly was" simply indicates that something could have happened. "Conceivably" often implies a degree of speculation or imagination.