except possibly that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "except possibly that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a condition or exception to a previous statement, indicating that there may be a possibility of a specific circumstance. Example: "Everything is perfect, except possibly that the timing might need adjustment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ms. Enright said of her winning that she had been "ready for anything — except possibly that".

The New York Times - Books

Styles in men's business attire change slowly, and classic items never go entirely out of fashion (except possibly that period in the '70s).

Science Magazine

Surely, however, none of this — except, possibly, that last exemption, granted early in the Obama administration — surprises anyone who followed the history of the Interior Department during the Bush years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The first constraint above says that the content of the cells of the tape is that same every where except possibly at the cell that was being scanned.

SEP

Possibly that will not last.

The Economist

The Israeli Army will not be involved in problem-solving between Israeli citizens who choose to remain and the new Palestinian government, except possibly at the invitation of that government.

Huffington Post

What object could serve as the focus of worship for a religion terrified of idolatry, except possibly a lamp that may have been suspended from the ceiling as a symbol of enlightenment?

The New York Times - Travel

Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat's screenplay is sharper than anything written for Hitchcock's other British films (or his American films, come to that – except possibly for North by Northwest) and you could make a strong case for regarding it as a Launder and Gilliat film rather than a Hitchcock one, if authorship has to be decided.

The Guardian - Film

The Grammys have a broad, fragmented audience that is not united by any common taste or opinion, except possibly the opinion that the Grammys satisfy no one.

The New Yorker

I can assure you that nobody's face lights up when they hear my name, except possibly to recall that I tip well.

Huffington Post

Anyway, there are no rooms available, except possibly one, and that one is "Smoking," which I have nothing against.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "except possibly that", ensure the "that" clearly refers to a previously mentioned condition or situation to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The plan is perfect, except possibly that the budget is slightly overestimated."

Common error

Avoid using "except possibly that" in simple sentences where a direct contrast is more effective. Instead of saying "The movie was good, except possibly that it was too long", consider "The movie was good, but it was too long."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "except possibly that" functions as a qualifier or conjunction, introducing a possible exception to a general statement. As Ludwig AI explains, it sets a condition or potential limitation to what has been previously stated.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "except possibly that" is a grammatically sound conjunction used to introduce a potential exception or qualification to a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare in overall usage, the phrase appears in neutral contexts, including news and scientific writing. It is important to use it precisely, ensuring the "that" refers clearly to the intended exception. Consider more concise alternatives like "apart from that" or ""unless perhaps that"" for simpler sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unless perhaps that

Indicates a condition under which the main statement would not be true; suggests a slightly stronger possibility than "possibly".

apart from that

A common way to introduce an exception; somewhat less emphatic than "but for that".

aside from that

Similar to "apart from that", indicating an element being left out or not considered.

save for that

More concise and slightly more formal way of indicating an exception or exclusion.

but for that

Highlights the significance of the exception, suggesting the main statement would be entirely true if not for it.

with the exception of that

A more formal and explicit way of stating an exception.

excluding that

Directly omits something from consideration. More assertive than "possibly".

barring that

Introduces a condition that, if it occurs, would invalidate the main statement.

excepting in that case

Explicitly mentions the case where the statement does not hold true.

save where that applies

A formal and legalistic way of specifying the limits of a statement's validity.

FAQs

How can I use "except possibly that" in a sentence?

Use "except possibly that" to introduce a potential exception or qualification to a statement. For example: "Everything is ready for the event, "except possibly that" we might need extra chairs."

What's a more concise alternative to "except possibly that"?

You could use phrases like "apart from that", "aside from that", or simply "except for that" depending on the context. These options can streamline your sentence without losing the intended meaning.

Is it ever better to use "unless" instead of "except possibly that"?

Yes, if you want to introduce a condition that, if true, would make the main statement invalid, consider using "unless". For example: "The project will succeed, "unless perhaps that" funding is cut."

How does "except possibly that" differ from "except in the case that"?

"Except in the case that" is more formal and emphasizes a specific circumstance as an exception. "Except possibly that" is less formal and implies a more speculative or uncertain exception.