conceptually possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conceptually possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, theories, or scenarios that can exist in thought or theory, even if they may not be practically achievable. Example: "While time travel is conceptually possible, the technology to achieve it remains beyond our current capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

In that case, no "conceptual discussion" is even conceptually possible.

The Guardian

"It is again conceptually possible to think of this as one collection," he said, "just as it was conceptually possible in 1753.

The New York Times - Arts

It was "conceptually possible" that even efficient forces could struggle to remain viable, the report said.

The Guardian

If it were conceptually possible to draw absence of underpants, then that might be ideal for Blair.

The Guardian

There is presently a widespread belief that while sustainable urban development is conceptually possible, it is practically impossible because environmental sustainability is antithetical to economic development.

Columbia University

"These things were conceptually possible all along, but some mundane advances are required before it all comes together and somebody actually does it".The technology has become so accessible that it is sparking a cottage industry of small entrepreneurial firms.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

In response, the trial court stated that it believed the requested instructions were "conceptually not possible" because they would destroy the plaintiff's cause of action.

Harvard University

Both sides agree that it is conceptually and metaphysically possible for us to have free will; their disagreement is about whether any of the possible worlds where we have free will are deterministic worlds.

SEP

"But conceptually it's possible".

The New York Times - Science

Or perhaps Aristotle did not see infinite sums as the problem, but rather whether completing an infinity of finite actions is metaphysically and conceptually and physically possible, an idea discussed at length in recent years: see 'Supertasks' below.

SEP

A wider issue about motivational hedonism is this: is it a contingent claim about an aspect of our psychology that could have been otherwise; or does it posit a law of our psychological nature; or is it a necessary truth about all metaphysically or conceptually or logically possible motivations?

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conceptually possible" when discussing ideas or scenarios that can be imagined or theorized, even if they are not practically achievable with current technology or knowledge. It's useful in philosophical discussions, scientific exploration, and speculative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "conceptually possible" when you really mean 'practically feasible' or 'likely to happen'. The phrase emphasizes theoretical possibility, not real-world likelihood. If something is "conceptually possible" but highly improbable, make that distinction clear to avoid misleading your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conceptually possible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the nature of possibility, specifying that it exists within the realm of concepts and ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conceptually possible" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase across diverse fields, especially science and academia. Ludwig AI highlights that it serves to describe scenarios and theories that are possible in thought, even if practically unachievable. While alternatives like "theoretically feasible" exist, "conceptually possible" distinctly emphasizes the role of imagination and abstract thinking. Avoid overstating practicality when employing this phrase and clarify the degree of real-world likelihood to prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

theoretically feasible

Focuses on feasibility based on theoretical principles rather than just possibility in thought.

imaginable in theory

Emphasizes the theoretical aspect of being able to be imagined.

conceivable in principle

Highlights the principled or fundamental possibility of something.

hypothetically plausible

Suggests something is believable under certain hypothetical conditions.

within the realm of possibility

Indicates that something falls within the scope of what could happen, though it may not be likely.

thinkable in abstract

Focuses on the abstract, non-concrete possibility.

not beyond consideration

Implies that an idea or option should at least be considered as a possibility.

intellectually defensible

Highlights that an idea can be supported with reasoning, even if not practically achievable.

logically consistent

Indicates that an idea does not contradict itself, focusing on logical possibility.

speculatively viable

Suggests that an idea is viable in a speculative or theoretical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "conceptually possible" in a sentence?

You can use "conceptually possible" to describe ideas or scenarios that are possible in theory, even if they are not practically achievable. For instance, "While time travel is "conceptually possible", the technology doesn't exist yet."

What phrases are similar to "conceptually possible"?

Similar phrases include "theoretically feasible", "imaginable in theory", and "conceivable in principle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "conceptually possible" and "metaphysically possible"?

"Conceptually possible" means something is imaginable or not self-contradictory. "Metaphysically possible" refers to what is possible given the laws of nature or the essential properties of things. Something can be "conceptually possible" but not metaphysically so.

When is it appropriate to use "conceptually possible" instead of "possible"?

Use "conceptually possible" when you want to emphasize that something is possible in thought or theory, even if it's unlikely or impossible in practice. Simply using "possible" might imply a higher degree of real-world feasibility.