faintly conceivable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faintly conceivable that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is only slightly possible or imaginable. Example: "While it seems unlikely, it is faintly conceivable that life exists on other planets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Is it faintly conceivable that "a hopelessly depressed individual" would outsource his psyche to a garrulous glove puppet to distance himself from "the negative aspects of his personality"?

The Guardian - Film

It is faintly conceivable that Andy Burnham has confessed to the Leigh Journal that he is presently immersed in Browning's Pippa Passes; and that Liz Kendall has confided to the Leicester Mercury a penchant for the gloomy Aberdonian lyrics of Robin Robertson.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If it all sounds faintly ridiculous, that's the point.

The Guardian - Books

It is conceivable that it might.

The Economist

"It's conceivable that that's related.

The New York Times

"Would it be conceivable that we would speak?

The New York Times - Sports

It is conceivable that neither will return this season.

The New York Times - Sports

It's conceivable that this expansion strategy will work.

The New Yorker

Indeed it is conceivable that neither of them will be.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is it conceivable that this will change any time soon?

University of California, Berkeley

It's conceivable that they have good intentions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faintly conceivable that" when you want to express a possibility that is not very likely but still worth considering. This phrase is particularly useful when introducing a speculative idea or scenario.

Common error

Avoid using "faintly conceivable that" when you intend to convey a strong probability or certainty. This phrase implies a slight possibility, and using it in contexts where a higher degree of certainty is appropriate can mislead your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faintly conceivable that" functions as an adverbial qualifier to express a low degree of possibility. It modifies a statement, indicating that something is imaginable but not necessarily probable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses something that is only slightly possible or imaginable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "faintly conceivable that" is used to introduce a possibility that is not very likely but still imaginable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It is suitable for formal and neutral writing contexts, especially in news and media or academic discussions. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a low degree of possibility and should not be used when a higher degree of certainty is intended. Consider alternatives like "slightly possible that" or "barely imaginable that" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could conceivably be that

Reorders the original phrase and changes "faintly" to "could".

slightly possible that

Emphasizes the possibility aspect more directly, using simpler vocabulary.

it is unlikely but conceivable that

Breaks down the idea into its component parts, focusing on the unlikelihood while still admitting possibility.

remotely possible that

Suggests a low probability but doesn't focus on the imaginability.

barely imaginable that

Highlights the difficulty in imagining or conceiving something.

just barely possible that

Adds emphasis to how slight the possibility is.

it's within the realm of possibility that

More formal and emphasizes the theoretical possibility.

it's a long shot that

Idiomatic expression indicating a low chance of success.

there's a slim chance that

Uses different wording to convey a small probability.

one could imagine that

Focuses on the act of imagining rather than the probability.

FAQs

How can I use "faintly conceivable that" in a sentence?

You can use "faintly conceivable that" to introduce a possibility that is unlikely but still imaginable. For example: "It is "faintly conceivable that" the project could succeed, despite the challenges".

What are some alternatives to "faintly conceivable that"?

Alternatives include "slightly possible that", "barely imaginable that", or "remotely possible that", each conveying a similar sense of slight possibility.

Is "faintly conceivable that" formal or informal?

"Faintly conceivable that" is generally suitable for formal writing, but it can also be used in neutral contexts. Simpler alternatives like "slightly possible that" might be preferred in informal settings.

What's the difference between "faintly conceivable that" and "conceivable that"?

The addition of "faintly" weakens the degree of possibility. "Conceivable that" suggests something is possible, whereas ""faintly conceivable that"" suggests it's possible but not very likely.