is conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is conceivable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that can be imagined or thought of as possible. Example: "In a world where technology advances rapidly, it is conceivable that we will have fully autonomous vehicles within the next decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Wilderness experts think it is conceivable.

The New York Times

It is conceivable that it might.

The Economist

But he also says that a Labour victory is conceivable.

The Guardian

It is conceivable that neither will return this season.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer would have to be, yes, it is conceivable.

The Guardian - Books

It is conceivable that businesses will resume hiring soon.

The New York Times

It is conceivable that he may yet keep America growing.

The Economist

Mr. Godley did not see how such optimization is conceivable.

The New York Times

Jackson's appointment would have served indirectly to affirm, yet again, that President Trump is conceivable.

The New Yorker

It is conceivable, I suppose, that Roberts doesn't read the newspapers or watch cable news.

The New Yorker

O'Connor believes it is conceivable but not in the lifetime of this Pope.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is conceivable" to introduce possibilities or scenarios that might not be immediately obvious or widely accepted, but are still within the realm of reason. This adds a layer of nuance and encourages the reader to consider alternative perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "is conceivable" when you want to express a high degree of certainty or likelihood. The phrase inherently implies a degree of uncertainty or possibility, so it's not suitable for situations where you want to convey conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is conceivable" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a following clause or idea. It serves to introduce a sense of possibility or potential, indicating that something can be imagined or considered as a viable option. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is conceivable" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. Functioning as an adjective phrase, it introduces possibilities and hypothetical scenarios across a spectrum of contexts, notably in news, science, and formal communications. While inherently suggesting uncertainty, it encourages exploration and consideration. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overstatements of certainty. For alternatives, consider options like "is possible" or "is imaginable" depending on the desired nuance. "Is conceivable" enriches discussions by acknowledging potential outcomes without firmly committing to them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is imaginable

Emphasizes the ability to be imagined or mentally conceived.

is thinkable

Highlights the possibility of being considered or contemplated.

is plausible

Suggests a degree of believability or likelihood.

is within the realm of possibility

More emphatic and explicitly states that something is possible.

is a possibility

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of potential.

can be envisioned

Focuses on the act of visualizing or foreseeing something.

could happen

Expresses a straightforward potential for occurrence.

is not out of the question

Indicates that something is possible, even if unlikely.

is a viable option

Suggests that something is not only possible but also practical.

is within the bounds of reason

Implies that something aligns with logical or rational thinking.

FAQs

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

Use "is conceivable" to introduce a possibility or a scenario that can be imagined or considered. For example, "It is conceivable that technological advancements will revolutionize healthcare."

What are some alternatives to "is conceivable"?

You can use alternatives like "is possible", "is imaginable", or "is thinkable" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is conceivable that"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "it is conceivable that". The phrase "is conceivable" is often used with "that" to introduce a clause expressing the conceivable idea or scenario.

What is the difference between "is conceivable" and "is likely"?

"Is conceivable" suggests something is possible or imaginable, while "is likely" indicates a higher probability of occurrence. "Is conceivable" opens up a range of possibilities, while "is likely" points towards the most probable outcome.