is not out of the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not out of the question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is possible or acceptable, even if it may not be the most likely option. Example: "While we haven't considered it yet, a partnership with that company is not out of the question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

60 is not out of the question.

The New York Times

This is not out of the question.

The Economist

That is not out of the question.

The Economist

A says that it is not out of the question.

The New Yorker

An upset here is not out of the question.

The New York Times

A new location is not out of the question.

The New York Times - Food

Even married love is not out of the question.

The New York Times - Books

A return to Massachusetts is not out of the question.

The Guardian

Such a situation is not out of the question.

The New York Times

Even a championship is not out of the question.

The New York Times - Sports

Buyers' remorse is not out of the question.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not out of the question" to express that an outcome is possible but not guaranteed. It's best used when you want to keep options open without committing to a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "is not out of the question" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone seem hesitant or non-committal. Vary your language by using more direct expressions when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not out of the question" serves as a modal expression. It functions to indicate that something is possible or conceivable, even if it's not the most likely outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not out of the question" is a common and grammatically sound way to express possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it provides a balanced way to indicate that something is conceivable without asserting it as a certainty. When writing, consider using this phrase to keep options open or to suggest that an idea shouldn't be immediately dismissed, while being mindful of overuse to maintain a strong and direct tone. Alternatives such as "is a possibility" or "cannot be ruled out" can add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a possibility

Focuses more directly on the potential for something to happen.

is not impossible

Asserts that something is achievable.

is conceivable

Implies that something is imaginable or believable.

remains a chance

Indicates that something can still happen.

is a feasible option

Highlights the practicality and workability of a choice.

is potentially viable

Highlights that something has the capacity to develop or succeed.

is a distinct possibility

Highlights something as a clear potential outcome.

is within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something falls within the scope of what's possible.

cannot be ruled out

Indicates that something should still be considered as an option.

could be considered

Suggests that something is worth thinking about as an option.

FAQs

How can I use "is not out of the question" in a sentence?

You can use "is not out of the question" to suggest that something is possible or might happen. For example, "While a promotion isn't guaranteed, it "is not out of the question" if you consistently exceed expectations."

What's the difference between "is not out of the question" and "impossible"?

"Is not out of the question" implies possibility, while "impossible" means something cannot happen. Saying something "is not out of the question" suggests it's conceivable, whereas calling it "impossible" indicates it's unattainable.

What can I say instead of "is not out of the question"?

You can use alternatives like "is a possibility", "is conceivable", or "cannot be ruled out" depending on the context.

Is "isn't out of the question" grammatically correct?

Yes, "isn't out of the question" is the contracted form of "is not out of the question" and is grammatically correct. Both are acceptable, though "is not" may sound more formal in some contexts.