is it possible that

USAGE SUMMARY

'Is it possible that' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when asking a hypothetical question, or expressing doubt. For example, "Is it possible that there is a simpler way to solve this problem?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How is it possible that I have no cash?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So: is it possible that breast-feeding causes allergies?

The New York Times

How is it possible that we would let this happen?

The New York Times

How is it possible that people can live?

The Washington Post

But is it possible that McConnell's plan will backfire?

The Washington Post

How is it possible that the Republicans might win?

The Guardian

And is it possible that his talents were underrated?

The New York Times

How is it possible that Trump has remained so popular?

Vice

Or, is it possible that this is entirely false?

HuffPost

"How is it possible that we accept this?

Los Angeles Times

But is it possible that this is not the case?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is it possible that", ensure your sentence maintains a clear and logical structure. This phrase introduces uncertainty or speculation, so clarity is essential to convey your intended meaning effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "is it possible that" when a direct statement is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can weaken your writing and make it seem less confident. Instead, reserve it for situations where genuine uncertainty or speculation is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it possible that" functions as an interrogative phrase used to introduce a question expressing possibility, doubt, or speculation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it possible that" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce questions expressing doubt, speculation, or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and general discussions. While adaptable to both formal and informal settings, it's best reserved for contexts where genuine uncertainty or exploration of potential outcomes is intended. Alternatives such as "could it be that" or "is it likely that" can provide nuanced variations in meaning and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it conceivable that

Changes the wording to emphasize believability or likelihood.

could it be that

Uses a modal verb to express a possibility or wonder.

is there a chance that

Focuses on the probability or likelihood of something occurring.

might it be the case that

Introduces a more formal tone, suggesting a hypothetical situation.

is it likely that

Emphasizes the probability or likelihood of a certain outcome.

can it be that

Expresses surprise or disbelief about a potential situation.

is it probable that

Highlights the probability of an event occurring.

is there any possibility that

Lengthens the phrase, underscoring the possibility.

do you think that

Shifts the focus to the listener's opinion or belief.

would it be possible that

Frames the inquiry as a question of feasibility.

FAQs

How do I use "is it possible that" in a sentence?

Use "is it possible that" to introduce a question expressing doubt, speculation, or possibility. For example, "Is it possible that the weather will improve tomorrow?"

What can I say instead of "is it possible that"?

You can use alternatives like "could it be that", "is it likely that", or "is there a chance that" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is it possible that"?

Use "is it possible that" when you want to explore a potential outcome or express uncertainty about a situation. It's suitable for scenarios where you're considering various possibilities.

Is there a more formal way to express the same idea as "is it possible that"?

Yes, a more formal alternative is "might it be the case that". This phrasing is suitable for academic or professional contexts where a higher level of formality is required.