it's possible that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's possible that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express the idea that something is uncertain or could potentially happen. Example: "It's possible that the meeting will be postponed due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's possible that Apple's future just got sunnier.

Forbes

It's possible that the complete video mitigates Rice's responsibility.

The New Yorker

It's possible that the omission reflects her publisher's priorities.

The New Yorker

It's possible that we might see more of W's art.

The New York Times

It's possible that Scotland might.

The Guardian

And it's possible that I did knock.

The New Yorker

But it's possible that he's right.

The New York Times

It's possible that Chris was involved".

The New Yorker

"It's possible that I destroyed myself.

The Guardian - Sport

It's possible that another plane was damaged.

The Guardian

But it's possible that he won't.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose a synonym if "it's possible that" feels too informal or frequently used in your writing.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple hedging phrases (e.g., "it's possible that it might be the case that...") as this can weaken your writing and make you seem indecisive. Opt for more direct language where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's possible that" functions as a hedging device, softening claims and expressing uncertainty. According to Ludwig, it introduces a proposition as potentially true without asserting it definitively. This allows for speculation or consideration of alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's possible that" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or uncertainty. Grammatically correct and very common, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in diverse contexts. While useful for hedging claims, overusing such phrases can weaken writing, so it's essential to balance caution with directness. Alternative phrases, such as "it is conceivable that" or "it is likely that", offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is conceivable that

Emphasizes the capacity to be imagined or understood.

it is plausible that

Suggests a reasonable or believable possibility.

it is likely that

Indicates a higher probability compared to "it's possible that".

it may be the case that

A more formal way of expressing a possibility or potential situation.

it could be that

Offers a slightly more casual alternative to expressing possibility.

the possibility exists that

Highlights the existence of a chance or opportunity.

there's a chance that

A more informal and colloquial way of saying "it's possible".

it is not out of the question that

Indicates that something is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

it is within the realm of possibility that

Highlights that something falls under the umbrella of being a potentiality.

one cannot rule out the possibility that

Indicates the acceptance of a possibility because there is not evidence to reject it.

FAQs

How can I use "it's possible that" in a sentence?

Use "it's possible that" to introduce a statement that might be true or might happen. For example, "It's possible that the game will be canceled due to rain."

What are some alternatives to "it's possible that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is conceivable that", "it is plausible that", or "it is likely that" depending on the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is "it's possible that" formal or informal?

"It's possible that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated alternative.

What's the difference between "it's possible that" and "it's probable that"?

"It's possible that" indicates a chance or potential, while "it's probable that" suggests a higher degree of likelihood. "It's probable" implies there is more evidence or reason to believe something will happen.