distinctly possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clearly or obviously possible. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it is distinctly possible that we will achieve our goals ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It seemed distinctly possible.

The New York Times - Food

What might seem impossible for these gentlemen on manuscript paper becomes distinctly possible live.

The Guardian - Music

Currency markets twitched, as a euro-area implosion began to look distinctly possible, if not imminent.

The Economist

It is distinctly possible – though scarcely believable – that Leicester find themselves bottom of the Premiership table come Saturday evening.

The Guardian - Sport

Greta has lived for some months in expectation of the worst — not as inevitable but as distinctly possible.

The New Yorker

On the Democratic side, where Hillary Clinton is running formidably out in front, the first is distinctly possible.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sometime next week, call Christopher over an ISDN line and say your name, as distinctly as possible, at least two hundred times, so we can dub it as an AudioAutograph onto the podcast edition.

The New Yorker

But, with days to go before November 4, it now seems distinctly less possible.

Huffington Post

We are relentlessly bombarded by big, iconic, and new brands that work hard to make themselves heard and visible as frequently and distinctly as possible.

Huffington Post

Take care to maintain the heart shape as distinctly as possible; this may mean shifting the strips around at times.

WikiHow

This four-piece from Llandudno, North Wales, take great pride in their individuality, finding their own niche and sound to make every track as distinctly Catfish as possible.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly possible" to emphasize a clear and obvious potential outcome, especially when clarifying a situation that might not be immediately apparent. It adds a layer of certainty to the possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctly possible" when describing events that are merely remotely possible. The phrase implies a strong likelihood, so reserve it for situations where the potential is genuinely evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly possible" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun or clause to emphasize the clarity and obviousness of a potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctly possible" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to emphasize a clear and obvious potential. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to strengthen assertions of possibility, indicating a high likelihood of a particular outcome. When using this phrase, ensure that the potential outcome is genuinely evident to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "clearly plausible" or "evidently feasible" can offer similar nuances depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly plausible

Replaces 'possible' with 'plausible', emphasizing believability.

evidently feasible

Substitutes 'possible' with 'feasible', highlighting practicality.

patently viable

Replaces 'possible' with 'viable', stressing capability of working successfully.

readily achievable

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be accomplished.

easily attainable

Highlights the accessibility of reaching a certain outcome.

highly probable

Focuses on the high likelihood of something occurring.

markedly likely

Replaces 'possible' with 'likely', denoting a good chance of happening.

noticeably potential

Highlights the potential, making it clear and obvious.

decidedly conceivable

Replaces 'possible' with 'conceivable', highlighting the ability to imagine or believe.

unquestionably within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something, without doubt, can happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinctly possible" to emphasize that something is clearly or obviously possible. For example, "Given the evidence, it's "distinctly possible" that the suspect is guilty."

What phrases are similar to "distinctly possible"?

Similar phrases include "clearly plausible", "evidently feasible", or "highly probable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "distinctly possible" more formal than "possible"?

Yes, "distinctly possible" tends to be slightly more formal than simply "possible", as it adds emphasis and a sense of clear likelihood. "Possible" is suitable in most contexts, but "distinctly possible" can strengthen your statement.

When should I use "distinctly possible" over "definitely possible"?

"Distinctly possible" suggests a clear and evident possibility based on current conditions, whereas "definitely possible" implies a greater certainty, bordering on assurance. If the outcome is realistically likely, use "distinctly possible"; if it's almost certain, use "definitely possible".