is possibly lower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is possibly lower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a potential decrease or reduction in a value, quantity, or level. Example: "The temperature in the evening is possibly lower than during the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In further FOBT screening rounds, lesion prevalence is possibly lower and in this situation CTC could be more effective.

Gut

The frequency of HGT into eukaryotic genomes is possibly lower than in prokaryotes, but HGT has also been an important force in the evolution of eukaryotes [ 5].

BMC Plant Biology

In DALK this risk is possibly lower as the endothelial cell layer of the host is preserved: a median graft survival of 49 years for DALK versus 17 years for PK has been reported.

BioMed Research International

The lower hospitalization rate in the Canary Islands could be explained by its special geographic characteristics, as they are in a tropical area, where the VZV seroprevalence is possibly lower than in temperate areas.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Moreover, the incurred fitness benefit of cooperative behavior toward kin is possibly lower for fathers of the wife or husband, as there may be a component of uncertainty regarding the genetic bond with their offspring.

Human Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Drugmaker Schering-Plough said it expects its second-quarter profit to fall short of analysts' estimates and second-half 2003 earnings to be possibly lower than its weak first half.

Forbes

This may be because of (a) the rigidity of host rock adjacent to the magma chamber being possibly lower than that of the ordinary crust, (as a result of thermal softening), and (b) the co-eruptive replenishment of magma from below.

Earth, Planets and Space

Taking the expected accumulation into account upon multiple dosing, clinically relevant doses are possibly lower.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

The current low substitution rates in the magnoliid lineage are possibly lower than rates were earlier in angiosperm evolution, precluding the use of a strict molecular clock.

BMC Biology

39 In fact, central fatigue is likely elicited by low brain oxygenation, 40 which was possibly lower in the Australians if we consider resting SpO2 levels (figure 2).

British Journal of Sports Medicine

After 2 weeks at altitude, time in bed and deep sleep (figure 2C) were possibly lower than on the baseline night (table 2).

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is possibly lower", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compared and the basis for the potential reduction. For example, "The risk of complications with this procedure is possibly lower compared to traditional methods."

Common error

Avoid using "is possibly lower" without providing context or a reference point for comparison. Without it, the statement lacks clarity and impact. For instance, instead of saying "Profits are possibly lower", specify "Profits this quarter are possibly lower than last quarter's."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is possibly lower" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It expresses a potential state of reduction or decrease. The adverb "possibly" modifies the comparative adjective "lower", indicating uncertainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is possibly lower" is a grammatically correct and commonly used comparative phrase that indicates a tentative reduction or decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression found most frequently in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison and context are clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "might be less" or "could be reduced" to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning. The phrase is versatile and appropriate for various writing styles, though it leans towards a more analytical or formal tone due to its frequent use in research and scientific articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is perhaps lower

Replaces "possibly" with "perhaps", another adverb of possibility.

might be less

Replaces "possibly lower" with a different modal verb to express uncertainty.

could be reduced

Substitutes "possibly lower" with a passive construction indicating a potential reduction.

may be diminished

Replaces "possibly lower" with a more formal term for reduction.

potentially decreased

Replaces "possibly lower" with an adverb-adjective combination.

is likely smaller

Shifts from possibility to probability and uses a direct comparison.

is conceivably less

Uses "conceivably" to express possibility and "less" as a comparative.

is arguably smaller

Introduces an element of debate or opinion regarding the lower value.

is potentially inferior

Shifts the focus to a notion of lower quality rather than quantity.

is speculated to decrease

Expresses the idea that a decrease is a matter of speculation or conjecture.

FAQs

How can I use "is possibly lower" in a sentence?

Use "is possibly lower" to indicate a potential reduction or decrease compared to something else. For example, "The infection rate in vaccinated individuals is possibly lower than in those unvaccinated."

What are some alternatives to "is possibly lower"?

You can use alternatives like "might be less", "could be reduced", or "may be diminished" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is possibly lower" or "is likely lower"?

The choice depends on the degree of certainty. "Is likely lower" suggests a higher probability than "is possibly lower". Use "is likely lower" when you have more evidence supporting the decrease.

What's the difference between "is possibly lower" and "is definitively lower"?

"Is definitively lower" indicates a confirmed and certain decrease, while "is possibly lower" suggests a potential decrease that is not yet confirmed. The former implies certainty, the latter implies uncertainty.