is it conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it conceivable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning the possibility or plausibility of a situation or idea. Example: "Is it conceivable that we could achieve our goals within the next year?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

If the court of public opinion could be held to the standard of reasonable doubt, then someone would have to ask its jury this question: is it conceivable that the Tsarnaev brothers were not the marathon bombers but, once they knew they were the suspects, they decided to run?

The Guardian - Books

Not really; nor is it conceivable they will be able to do anything about it.

The Economist

Now, is it conceivable that even so, these banks could go wrong in ways that Swedish regulators have not considered?

The Economist

And not only is it conceivable that the Bush administration and Congress would support such a program, it is essential that they do.

The New York Times

In other words, is it conceivable that California runs afoul of the Constitution, but a state like Mississippi, which offers same-sex couples no real rights, does not?

The Guardian - Opinion

Many years later, I wrote: "Is it conceivable that if the British could have been a population of viewers - of television viewers instead of newspaper readers - is it conceivable they would have just shaken their heads and gone to the railway stations, as they did, to wave their boys off on the troop trains?' So, the first thing I felt was, "This is a war.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

How conceivable is it that people really use these words?

Huffington Post

It is conceivable that it might.

The Economist

It is conceivable that it would lead to a renewed interest in macroencapsulation.

Natural-Based Polymers for Biomedical Applications

But it's also conceivable it's going to take a long time".

The Guardian

It is perfectly conceivable if the prime minister wants it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is it conceivable" to introduce a hypothetical situation or to challenge an assumption, prompting further discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "is it conceivable" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is it possible" or "do you think".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it conceivable" functions primarily as an interrogative expression. It is used to question the possibility or plausibility of a given scenario or idea. As Ludwig AI suggests, it inquires whether something can be imagined or believed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is it conceivable" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that questions the possibility or plausibility of a scenario. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an interrogative tool in various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. Its formal tone suggests that it suits professional settings, academic discussions, and journalistic pieces, where a certain level of sophistication is expected. Remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal conversation and to avoid overusing the phrase. Ludwig's examples offer a wealth of inspiration for how to deploy it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it possible

Focuses on general possibility rather than believability or likelihood.

is it feasible

Emphasizes practicality and the ability to be done conveniently.

is it likely

Directly addresses the probability of something occurring.

is it imaginable

Highlights the ability to form a mental image or concept.

can one imagine

Asks if something can be imagined or thought of. It shifts the focus to individual imagination.

is there a chance

Directly questions the existence of a possibility.

could it happen

Explores whether an event is capable of occurring, implying uncertainty.

is it within the realm of possibility

Formal way to express the chance of something happening.

is it thinkable

Focuses on the ability to be considered or contemplated.

is it within the bounds of reason

Poses the question of whether something is logical or rational.

FAQs

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

Use "is it conceivable" to question the possibility or likelihood of a particular scenario. For instance, "Is it conceivable that the project could be completed ahead of schedule?"

What phrases are similar to "is it conceivable"?

Alternatives to "is it conceivable" include "is it possible", "is it likely", or "is it imaginable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is it conceivable" formal or informal?

"Is it conceivable" tends to be more formal than phrases like "is it possible" or "do you think" and is suitable for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "is it conceivable" and "is it possible"?

While both phrases question possibility, "is it conceivable" often implies a stronger sense of doubt or incredulity than "is it possible". "Is it conceivable" suggests that something may be difficult to believe or accept.