humanly possible

USAGE SUMMARY

'humanly possible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is able to be accomplished by a person through their physical or mental capabilities. For example: "This task seems impossible - but I'm determined to find a way to make it humanly possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it even humanly possible?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, he says, "it wasn't humanly possible".

The Economist

Really, about as wrong as humanly possible.

The Guardian

Better, actually, if that is humanly possible.

The New York Times - Sports

I can say that everything humanly possible was done.

Yale University

Make as many new friends and acquaintances as humanly possible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

LeBron James just does things that shouldn't be humanly possible.

Britannica

I took as many precautions as humanly possible.

The New York Times

He's as efficient as it is humanly possible to be".

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, he crams as much as humanly possible into both.

The New York Times - Sports

It will be forgotten as soon as humanly possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humanly possible" to emphasize the limits of what a person or group can achieve, adding a touch of realism or humility to your statement. It's more impactful when discussing ambitious goals or challenging situations.

Common error

Avoid using "humanly possible" when the action or outcome is easily achievable. It can sound hyperbolic or insincere if the task is simple or routine. Reserve it for situations that genuinely push the boundaries of capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humanly possible" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier describing the extent or degree to which an action or state can be realized by human beings. It emphasizes the limits or boundaries of human capability. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "humanly possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the maximum extent or effort achievable within human capabilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, academic writing, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, it's best to emphasize the limits of potential achievement. Common errors include using it in contexts where the idea of "human effort" is trivial. For situations where you need a substitute for the expression, consider alternatives such as "within human capability", "achievable by mankind", or "feasible for humans".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within human capability

This phrase directly points to the extent of human ability.

feasible for humans

This alternative emphasizes practicality for people.

practicable by humans

This emphasizes real-world application and feasibility in the context of humanity.

within the realm of possibility

This alternative emphasizes the boundaries of what's achievable by humans.

within the capacity of humans

This option focuses on the inherent capacity that human beings possess.

achievable by mankind

This alternative focuses on humanity's capabilities as a whole.

to a humanly attainable degree

This emphasizes the degree to which people can accomplish something.

to the greatest extent possible

This alternative emphasizes the degree to which something can be done, from a general perspective, not strictly tied to humans.

within the scope of human action

This alternative focuses on the range of possible actions.

as much as lies in human power

This alternative invokes a sense of agency and exertion of human effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "humanly possible" to describe the extent to which something can be achieved. For example, "We did everything "humanly possible" to save the project."

What are some alternatives to "humanly possible"?

Alternatives include "within human capability", "achievable by mankind", or "feasible for humans". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "everything that's humanly possible"?

While it can sometimes be redundant, using "everything that's humanly possible" emphasizes the comprehensive effort or extent of actions taken. It implies that no stone was left unturned within the limits of human capability.

What's the difference between "humanly possible" and "theoretically possible"?

"Humanly possible" refers to what can be achieved given current human capabilities and limitations. "Theoretically possible" refers to what aligns with the laws of physics or logic, regardless of whether humans can currently achieve it.