if it is conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it is conceivable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing possibilities or hypothetical situations, often to express doubt or uncertainty about whether something can be imagined or accepted. Example: "We should consider all options, even if it is conceivable that we might fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We couldn't, then, ever know of it, or have any reason to think it obtained, and it is not clear that its sheer conceivability (if it is conceivable — see below) should count against Davidson's monism.

SEP

"I wonder if it is conceivable that any country in the world could allow such a thing to happen to a writer of worldwide reputation.

The Guardian

Then if it is conceivable that the purely physical facts about us should have held without C, then C is not physicalistically explicable.

SEP

Community-Wide Internalists says that even if it is conceivable that there are individuals who are entirely indifferent to their moral judgments, internalists claim that no member of a community could be credited with a genuine moral stance, if no one in the community was motivated by their judgments (Lenman 1999; Tresan 2009).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He asked if it was "conceivable" for the U.S. to ratify the treaty.

The Guardian

If it's conceivable that the people of the time had these superstitions or beliefs, then I would allow it".

The Guardian - Books

If it's conceivable for one type of large-scale unmanned aerial vehicle that is flown remotely to engage in a dogfight over hostile terrain, couldn't another type of U.A.V. carry passengers from points A to B? Technologically, there doesn't seem to be any obvious barrier.

The New Yorker

If it's conceivable for one type of large-scale unmanned aerial vehicle that is flown remotely to engage in a dogfight over hostile terrain, couldn't another type of U.A.V. carry passengers from points A to B? Technologically, there doesn't seem to be any obvious barrier.

The New Yorker

Asked if it was conceivable that Laxey could also vote the "requisitioners" onto the board at the AGM, Kingsnorth added: "Of course I could support the EGM people, but I won't because their job is done.

BBC

If not, it is conceivable that the Greek-run part would join anyway.

The Economist

If so, it is conceivable that weavers at the research center did not view humans as a sufficient threatening stimulus.

Acta Ethologica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it is conceivable" to introduce a possibility that might not be immediately obvious or readily accepted. It's effective for exploring less conventional ideas or scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "if it is conceivable" in situations where a more straightforward "if it is possible" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it is conceivable" functions as a conditional clause introducer. It sets up a hypothetical scenario, suggesting that a certain outcome or consideration depends on the possibility of something being imaginable or understandable. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it is conceivable" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce hypothetical or less obvious possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It functions as a conditional clause introducer, prompting consideration of scenarios that require imagination. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, such as academic, scientific, or news reporting, and should be used judiciously to avoid unnecessary complexity in simpler situations. Consider alternatives like "if it is possible" or "if it is imaginable" to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it is imaginable

Replaces "conceivable" with "imaginable", focusing on the capacity to be envisioned or mentally conceived.

if it is thinkable

Substitutes "conceivable" with "thinkable", highlighting the possibility of something being considered or contemplated.

if it is plausible

Replaces "conceivable" with "plausible", suggesting that something is believable or likely.

if it is possible

A more direct and common substitute, focusing on the sheer possibility of something occurring.

if it is feasible

Replaces "conceivable" with "feasible", emphasizing the practicality and attainability of something.

if it can be envisioned

Shifts the focus to the act of envisioning, making the phrase more descriptive.

assuming it is conceivable

Adds a conditional tone, framing the conceivability as an assumption.

in the event it is conceivable

Presents the conceivability as a condition or circumstance.

should it be conceivable

Uses a more formal and hypothetical tone.

if such a thing is conceivable

Adds emphasis to the unexpected or unusual nature of what's being considered.

FAQs

How can I use "if it is conceivable" in a sentence?

The phrase "if it is conceivable" is used to introduce a situation or idea that is possible but might not be immediately apparent or easily accepted. For example, "If it is conceivable that remote work becomes the norm, companies must adapt their strategies accordingly".

What are some alternatives to "if it is conceivable"?

You can use alternatives such as "if it is imaginable", "if it is possible", or "if it is plausible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "if it is conceivable" or "if it's conceivable"?

The phrase "if it is conceivable" is slightly more formal than "if it's conceivable" due to the absence of a contraction. Both are acceptable, but the former might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

When should I use "if it is conceivable" instead of "if it is likely"?

Use "if it is conceivable" when you want to emphasize the possibility or imaginability of something, even if it's not particularly probable. Use "if it is likely" when you want to discuss something that has a reasonable chance of happening.