could conceivably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could conceivably" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is possible or capable of being imagined or understood. Example: "The new technology could conceivably revolutionize the way we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The economy could conceivably rebound.

The Economist

Mr. Spitzer could conceivably be a panelist.

The New York Times

What could conceivably stop you?

The Guardian

That could conceivably hurt Google.

The New York Times - Tech

It could conceivably be either.

The Guardian - Film

Next May could conceivably be relevant.

The Guardian - Business

So he could conceivably be good again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rubio's reform could conceivably address this problem.

The New Yorker

These differences could conceivably correlate with voter turnout.

Yale University

Oligomerization could conceivably take place in two ways.

Nature

With Mueller in place, Trump could conceivably have changed tack.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could conceivably" to introduce a possibility that might not be immediately obvious or intuitive. It adds a layer of consideration for less apparent outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "could conceivably" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. This phrase suggests a possibility, not a probability, so don't use it to describe likely outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could conceivably" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates a possibility or potential, often suggesting that the event is not certain but still within the realm of imagination or possibility. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to introduce scenarios that are not immediately obvious.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could conceivably" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express possibility, especially when the outcome isn't immediately apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific literature, and academic writing. While it suggests a feasible outcome, it avoids strong assertions of certainty. Alternatives like "could potentially" or "could possibly" offer similar meanings but may vary in nuance. When using "could conceivably", avoid overstating the likelihood and recognize it suggests a possibility rather than a probability. Its widespread presence across various reputable sources highlights its acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could potentially

Emphasizes the inherent possibility of something happening.

could possibly

Highlights a chance, however small, that something might occur.

might conceivably

Uses "might" to introduce a slightly lower probability than "could".

may conceivably

Similar to "might conceivably", suggesting a possibility that is not definite.

could perhaps

Suggests a degree of uncertainty or tentativeness.

could theoretically

Focuses on the possibility within a theoretical framework, even if unlikely in practice.

could arguably

Indicates that there is a basis for argument, even if not universally accepted.

is not beyond the realm of possibility

More formal and emphasizes that an event is within the boundaries of what is possible.

it's not impossible that

Focuses on negating impossibility, thereby suggesting a chance of occurrence.

it is imaginable that

Stresses the ability to imagine or conceive of a situation, though not necessarily likely.

FAQs

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

The phrase "could conceivably" is used to suggest a possibility or something that is capable of being imagined. For instance, "The new policy "could conceivably" reduce traffic congestion in the city" indicates a potential outcome, though not a certainty.

What are some alternatives to "could conceivably"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could potentially", "could possibly", or "might conceivably". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the likelihood and possibility of the event.

Is "could conceivably" formal or informal?

"Could conceivably" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's frequently seen in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversations, maintaining a neutral tone across these registers.

What is the difference between "could conceivably" and "could possibly"?

While both suggest possibility, "could conceivably" often implies that the possibility requires some imagination or is not immediately obvious. "Could possibly" simply indicates that something is not impossible, without necessarily suggesting it's unexpected. For example, 'He "could possibly" win the lottery' suggests it's within the realm of chance. In contrast, 'He "could conceivably" become a famous author' suggests that while it may not seem likely now, it's within the realm of potential if certain conditions are met.