is within the realm of possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is within the realm of possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is conceivable or feasible, often in discussions about potential outcomes or scenarios. Example: "While it may seem unlikely, achieving a breakthrough in renewable energy is within the realm of possibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

While it is within the realm of possibility that Israeli read this translation, it is also possible that both authors are citing a previous source which is no longer extant.

SEP

"It is within the realm of possibility he might have won 300 games," he said.

The New York Times - Books

"It is within the realm of possibility, though unlikely, that Walton's mental impairment is not permanent," Mr. Kaine said.

The New York Times

If the House tally also ties, which is within the realm of possibility but not by much, the Senate would weigh in with its own pick.

The New York Times

"The use of the track for motor sports on a limited basis is something that I still think is within the realm of possibility," he said.

The New York Times

Coach Jim Fassel is unsure whether either is physically prepared to fully assume a rugged number of plays against Atlanta on Sunday, but it is within the realm of possibility that they will play, and extensively.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It's within the realm of possibility," he added.

The New York Times

Without details laid out in the legislation, "all of these are within the realm of possibility", she says.

The Guardian

That's within the realm of possibility.

TechCrunch

Some of these are pipe dreams, others are within the realm of possibility, but all are capable of making hits.

Vice

I wouldn't want to predict the odds of either of these things happening, but they certainly are within the realm of possibility now.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is within the realm of possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or scenario, especially when discussing future plans or predictions. It's helpful for acknowledging uncertainty while still considering a particular event as a viable option.

Common error

While useful, "is within the realm of possibility" can sound verbose if used excessively. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is possible" or "could happen" to maintain clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is within the realm of possibility" functions as a modal expression, indicating that something is possible but not necessarily probable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is within the realm of possibility" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is possible, although not necessarily probable. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to introduce potential outcomes or scenarios, acknowledging a degree of uncertainty. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. However, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. Several related phrases, such as "is a distinct possibility" and "is a feasible option", offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a distinct possibility

Emphasizes a notable chance of occurrence.

is a feasible option

Focuses on the practicality and achievability of something.

is a potential outcome

Highlights that something could result from a series of events.

is not out of the question

Indicates something is possible, though perhaps unlikely.

is conceivable

Suggests something is imaginable or believable.

is a plausible scenario

Emphasizes the credibility and realism of a possible series of events.

could happen

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is possible.

is achievable

Focuses on the attainability of a goal or outcome.

is likely

Suggests a higher probability of occurrence compared to the original phrase.

is a chance

Indicates a possibility, often implying it may be small.

FAQs

What does "is within the realm of possibility" mean?

It means that something is possible or conceivable, even if it's not necessarily probable or likely.

How can I use "is within the realm of possibility" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a potential outcome or scenario. For example: "While it may seem unlikely, a technological breakthrough is "is within the realm of possibility"."

What are some alternatives to "is within the realm of possibility"?

Alternatives include "is possible", "could happen", "is conceivable", or "is a potential outcome" depending on the context.

Is "is within the realm of possibility" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for a variety of writing contexts. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.