is theoretically possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is theoretically possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, ideas, or scenarios that could occur under certain conditions, even if they are not practically achievable. Example: "While it may seem unlikely, time travel is theoretically possible according to some interpretations of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is theoretically possible, but pretty unlikely.

The Economist

This is theoretically possible, but expensive.

The Economist

That is theoretically possible, but practically hard.

The Economist

It is theoretically possible – if extremely unlikely.

The Guardian

The first is that his involvement is theoretically possible.

The Washington Post

Bentham believed that a hedonic calculus is theoretically possible.

Britannica

But it is theoretically possible to go further.

The Economist

It is theoretically possible that tapeworms influence your gut hormones.

Independent

Regeneration of myelin is theoretically possible but rarely happens.

Vitamins & Hormones

Since mouse embryonic cells already can, he said, it is theoretically possible.

The New York Times

No political professionals here think that outcome is likely, but it is theoretically possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is theoretically possible" to introduce concepts that align with established principles or formulas, even if their practical realization faces significant hurdles.

Common error

Avoid using "is theoretically possible" when discussing outcomes that defy known laws or principles; reserve it for scenarios within the realm of scientific understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is theoretically possible" serves as a modal expression, indicating a potential or hypothetical state of affairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig showcase its deployment across diverse fields to introduce concepts that, while not immediately feasible, remain within the bounds of theoretical plausibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is theoretically possible" is a versatile tool for exploring the boundaries of knowledge and possibility. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various domains, including science, news, and formal discourse. It introduces ideas that, while not immediately achievable, align with current understanding and warrant further investigation. Alternatives such as "is potentially possible" and "is technically possible" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. The key is to use it judiciously, ensuring that the discussed possibilities remain within the realm of reasonable scientific or logical consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is theoretically achievable

Replaces "possible" with "achievable", focusing on the potential for accomplishment.

is potentially possible

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for something to become possible in the future.

is hypothetically possible

Stresses that the possibility exists only as a hypothetical scenario.

is formally possible

Replaces "theoretically" with "formally", suggesting possibility within a defined system or set of rules.

is technically possible

Substitutes "theoretically" with "technically", emphasizing feasibility from a technical standpoint.

is basically possible

Suggests that the fundamental requirements for possibility are present.

is virtually possible

Implies that something is nearly possible, with only minor obstacles remaining.

is tentatively possible

Adds a sense of uncertainty or caution to the possibility.

is supposedly possible

Introduces an element of doubt or skepticism regarding the possibility.

is typically possible

Shifts the focus to what usually occurs, implying a higher likelihood than "theoretically possible".

FAQs

How can I use "is theoretically possible" in a sentence?

Use "is theoretically possible" to introduce ideas that could happen according to current understanding, such as "While incredibly challenging, interstellar travel "is theoretically possible" according to some physics theories".

What are some alternatives to "is theoretically possible"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "is potentially possible", "is technically possible", or "is hypothetically possible".

When is it appropriate to say something "is theoretically possible"?

It's appropriate when discussing ideas supported by theory but not yet proven or easily achieved in practice. For example, creating a perpetual motion machine "is theoretically possible" but violates known laws of thermodynamics.

What's the difference between "is theoretically possible" and "is practically possible"?

"Is theoretically possible" means that something does not violate any known laws or principles, while "is practically possible" means that it can be done with current resources and technology. Something can be theoretically possible but not practically possible.