it is conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is conceivable" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are suggesting something is possible but may not be likely, or when you are considering the plausibility of a suggestion. For example, "It is conceivable that life exists on other planets, but we may never know for sure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wilderness experts think it is conceivable.

The New York Times

It is conceivable that it might.

The Economist

It is conceivable that this theory may prove correct.

The Washington Post

It is conceivable that studios could forsake newspapers altogether someday.

The New York Times

It is conceivable that neither will return this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed it is conceivable that neither of them will be.

The Guardian - Opinion

The answer would have to be, yes, it is conceivable.

The Guardian - Books

It is conceivable that businesses will resume hiring soon.

The New York Times

It is conceivable that he may yet keep America growing.

The Economist

It is conceivable that longer the telomeres are, greater is the severity of such challenges.

DNA Repair

Now, it is conceivable to produce nearly any organic molecule of interest using a cellular host.

Metabolic Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is conceivable" when you want to introduce a possibility that requires further consideration or evidence. It suggests an open-minded approach to potential outcomes.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it is conceivable" without varying your sentence structure or providing supporting information. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and weak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is conceivable" primarily functions as an introductory clause to express possibility or plausibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces ideas that are worth considering, even if not definitively proven. This is reflected in many of the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is conceivable" is a grammatically sound phrase that introduces a possibility or plausible idea, often inviting further consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriate usage across various contexts. As shown in the provided examples, it's commonly found in news articles, scientific literature, and formal business documents, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "it is possible" exist, "it is conceivable" subtly suggests that the idea, while perhaps not certain, deserves contemplation. When using this phrase, ensure it is integrated smoothly into your writing and supported by adequate context to avoid redundancy or ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is possible

Direct synonym replacement with emphasis on possibility.

it is imaginable

Focuses on the ability to form a mental image or concept.

it is feasible

Highlights the practicality and achievability of something.

it is thinkable

Emphasizes the ability to be considered or contemplated.

it is within the realm of possibility

More formal and emphatic expression of possibility.

it could happen

Simple and direct statement of potential occurrence.

it is not out of the question

Indicates that something is possible, though perhaps unlikely.

it is a possibility

Highlights the existence of a potential outcome.

it is not impossible

Focuses on the lack of impossibility, suggesting some chance of occurrence.

it is hypothetically possible

Emphasizes the theoretical possibility, even if not practically feasible.

FAQs

How can I use "it is conceivable" in a sentence?

Use "it is conceivable" to introduce an idea or possibility that might be true or might happen. For instance, "It is conceivable that life exists on other planets, though we have no proof."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is conceivable"?

You can use alternatives like "it is possible", "it is imaginable", or "it is feasible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is conceivable" or "it is possible"?

Both "it is conceivable" and "it is possible" are correct, but "it is conceivable" often suggests that the idea is worth considering, even if unlikely, whereas "it is possible" is a more general statement of possibility. The best choice depends on the context.

What does "it is conceivable" imply about the likelihood of something?

"It is conceivable" implies that something is possible, but not necessarily probable. It suggests that the idea is within the realm of consideration, even if there is no strong evidence to support it yet.