it is barely possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is barely possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is just barely difficult to do or accomplish. For example: "It is barely possible to hike to the top of the mountain in one day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A state report in 1857 noted that conditions for the poor were so bad that "it is barely possible to keep them from perishing".

The New York Times

In fact, it is barely possible to convince people that you are going there at all.

The New York Times

It is barely possible to read this book and not feel the awakening of appetite.

The New York Times - Books

Currently, it is barely possible to detect new drugs at the rate they appear.

The Guardian

Others say it is barely possible to call the representation that clients receive in places like Quitman County "legal work".

The New York Times

It is barely possible to articulate a utopia, even (or especially) if you are on the left.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It's barely possible to overstate the significance of this Bible.

The New York Times

As with all run-on sentences, it's barely possible, once this has petered out, to remember what, if anything, was said.

The New York Times - Arts

As for Coney Island on weekends, block after block of beach was so jammed with people that it was barely possible to find a space to sit or to put down your book or your hot dog.

The New Yorker

They won on appeal, but by then it was barely possible to piece together a competitive top-flight squad, and most felt they would struggle to win a match.

Independent

"At first I thought it would be very easy to arrange, then I thought it was impossible but now I think that it's barely possible, which makes it interesting," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is barely possible", ensure the context clearly indicates the factors limiting the possibility. Providing specific reasons why something is only barely possible enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is barely possible" when the situation is definitively impossible. This phrase suggests a small chance, not absolute certainty of failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is barely possible" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates a low probability or a difficult condition under which something can occur. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to express limited feasibility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is barely possible" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate a low probability or difficult feasibility, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context accurately reflects the slight chance being conveyed and to avoid overstating the impossibility of the situation. Related phrases like "it is scarcely possible" or "there's a slim chance" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is scarcely possible

Emphasizes the limited possibility, similar to "barely possible" but with a stronger sense of rarity.

it is hardly possible

Indicates that something is unlikely to happen or be achieved.

it is just conceivable

Highlights the slight chance of something occurring, focusing on conceivability rather than feasibility.

it is faintly possible

Suggests a weak or slim possibility.

it is remotely possible

Implies a distant or unlikely chance.

it is technically possible

Focuses on the theoretical possibility, regardless of practicality.

it is almost impossible

Indicates a very high degree of difficulty, nearing impossibility.

it is unlikely

A general statement indicating a low probability of something happening.

there's a slim chance

Expresses a small probability or likelihood.

it is a long shot

Suggests a very low probability of success.

FAQs

How can I use "it is barely possible" in a sentence?

Use "it is barely possible" to describe a situation where something is only achieved with great difficulty or has a very low chance of success. For example, "It is barely possible to finish the project on time with the current resources".

What's the difference between "it is barely possible" and "it is almost impossible"?

"It is barely possible" suggests a slim chance of success, while "it is almost impossible" indicates a significantly lower chance, bordering on complete impossibility. The former retains a sliver of hope.

Are there synonyms for "it is barely possible"?

Yes, alternatives include "it is scarcely possible", "it is hardly possible", or "there's a slim chance". The best choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

When should I avoid using "it is barely possible"?

Avoid using "it is barely possible" in formal contexts where a more precise assessment of probability is required. In situations where the outcome is already determined or completely impossible, this phrase is inappropriate.