it is distinctly possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is distinctly possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is clearly or obviously possible, often in a context where you want to emphasize the likelihood of an event or situation. Example: "Given the current trends in technology, it is distinctly possible that we will see significant advancements in AI within the next few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

In her 1967 essay "Goodbye to All That," she wrote how wonderful it had been in New York, but how she came to understand that "it is distinctly possible to stay too long at the Fair".

The New York Times

But travelers are not reasonable people, and it is distinctly possible to absorb the essence of India in CliffsNotes form.

The New York Times - Travel

Even if their leader Marine Le Pen is mercifully unlikely – in the current political climate, at least – to win a presidential election, it is distinctly possible she could top the first round.

The Guardian - Opinion

For it is distinctly possible that when the EU governments' finance ministers meet in council on February 12th they will reject the commission's recommendation that Germany should be formally warned.

The Economist

Indeed, it is distinctly possible that history will become more important in restoration practice as it provides the cultural and moral guidance alluded to above (Eric Higgs 2012, pers. comm).

Ecological Processes

It is distinctly possible that action saved Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He said that it was "distinctly possible we're headed into a period of the worst economic performance since the stagflation of the late 1970s and recessions of the early 1980s".

The New York Times

So it's distinctly possible that these Olympics, despite the weather reprieve (it really has been spectacular, day after day) and dozens of great events, will be a big dud for the hosts.

The New Yorker

On his lapel is a button that reads "Lev 20 13" — "If a man lies with a male as with a woman... .. — though it's distinctly possible that this allusion is hypocrisy because this svelte pol's alter ego is a hairy, potbellied leatherman with a handlebar mustache.

The New York Times - Arts

At this point no one (save for the lucky chump who snapped those photos in the first place) can definitively say whether or not the XFON and this curious AT&T device are the same, but it's distinctly possible.

TechCrunch

"Those five states contain almost 10 million access lines…meaning it's distinctly possible that Verizon will have gained approval for about three-quarters of its in-region lines by mid-year," Levin said in his note.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is distinctly possible" to introduce a scenario that is clearly plausible but not yet certain, providing a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "it is distinctly possible" when the outcome is already highly probable or virtually certain. Opt for stronger phrases like "it is highly likely" or "it will definitely happen" when the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is distinctly possible" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a judgment about the likelihood of a situation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it introduces a proposition as clearly plausible but not definitive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is distinctly possible" is a phrase used to express a clear possibility, often employed in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in both formal and informal writing. While not as strong as "it is highly probable", it offers a measured way to introduce potential outcomes. When using this phrase, consider whether the situation warrants a stronger expression of likelihood or if a more tentative approach is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is highly probable

Indicates a higher degree of likelihood compared to "it is distinctly possible".

it is very likely

Emphasizes a strong possibility or expectation.

it is quite conceivable

Suggests that something is imaginable and plausible.

it is entirely plausible

Highlights the credibility and believability of an event or situation.

it is reasonably possible

Indicates a moderate level of possibility, based on reason and evidence.

there's a good chance that

An informal way of expressing a strong likelihood.

chances are high that

Suggests that the probability of something happening is elevated.

it could well happen

Expresses a possibility with a sense of anticipation.

it is not out of the question

Implies that something is within the realm of possibility, even if unlikely.

it cannot be ruled out

Suggests that something is possible and should not be dismissed.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is distinctly possible" to express a clear possibility, as in "Given the evidence, "it is distinctly possible" that the hypothesis is correct".

What's a formal alternative to "it is distinctly possible"?

A more formal alternative is "it is highly probable", suitable for academic or professional writing.

How does "it is distinctly possible" differ from "it is remotely possible"?

"It is distinctly possible" indicates a clear and noticeable possibility, whereas "it is remotely possible" suggests only a slight chance.

Is "it is distinctly possible" the same as "it is quite possible"?

While similar, "it is distinctly possible" emphasizes the clarity or obviousness of the possibility, whereas "it is quite possible" simply indicates a moderate level of possibility.