it is not impossible that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not impossible that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a possibility or likelihood of something occurring, often in a more tentative or cautious manner. Example: "While the chances are slim, it is not impossible that we could see a breakthrough in the research within the next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Considering filmmakers past and present, he stated that "it is not impossible that Asperger's syndrome helped make the movies.

The New Yorker

But it is not impossible that it will turn a profit one day.

The Economist

All that said, it is not impossible that something decent may come of the present government.

The New Yorker

It is not impossible that, by then, today's passions will have faded.

The Economist

It is not impossible that one of the other Republicans will prove formidable.

The New Yorker

"It is not impossible that we'll proceed the way we see fit," he said.

The New York Times

It is not impossible that it has also led more individuals to beg".

The Guardian

It is not impossible that something similar – closet no voters – now exists in Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not impossible that this event helped to radicalize some of the Sept. 11 hijackers.

The New York Times

It is not impossible that such a spontaneous revolution will begin first in New York City.

The New York Times - Books

It is not impossible that the cancellations could have occurred by chance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not impossible that" when you want to express a possibility or likelihood without committing to a strong assertion. It's ideal for nuanced situations where outcomes are uncertain.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on double negatives like "it is not impossible that", as they can sometimes sound convoluted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it is possible that" or "there is a chance that" when clarity is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not impossible that" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing a degree of possibility or likelihood. It indicates that something is not entirely out of the question, as seen in the provided examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not impossible that" serves as a nuanced way to express possibility or likelihood. As affirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse domains such as news, science, and encyclopedias, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal communication. While its usage is widespread, writers should avoid over-reliance on such double negatives, opting for simpler alternatives when clarity is crucial. When it comes to the examples provided by Ludwig, authoritative sources, as well as Ludwig's validation, this expression is suitable for a wide spectrum of scenarios where caution and precision are valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not unlikely that

Uses a double negative to express a positive probability.

it is not unthinkable that

Substitutes "impossible" with "unthinkable", conveying that the event could happen even if surprising.

it is not unbelievable that

Replaces "impossible" with "unbelievable", softening the statement slightly.

it is not improbable that

Replaces "impossible" with "improbable", suggesting the event is likely to happen.

it is not inconceivable that

Replaces "impossible" with "inconceivable", suggesting it's within the realm of possibility.

it is not implausible that

Replaces "impossible" with "implausible", indicating that the event is believable.

it is not infeasible that

Substitutes "impossible" with "infeasible", indicating something is possible despite challenges.

it is not conceivable that

Changes "impossible" to "inconceivable", denoting something imaginable or believable.

it's conceivable that

Shortens the original phrase while retaining the core meaning of possibility.

there's a possibility that

Offers a more direct and slightly less formal alternative.

FAQs

What does "it is not impossible that" mean?

The phrase "it is not impossible that" means something is possible or could happen. It suggests a degree of uncertainty but indicates the event isn't entirely out of the question.

What can I say instead of "it is not impossible that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is possible that", "there is a chance that", or "it is conceivable that" depending on the context.

Is "it is not impossible that" a formal or informal expression?

"It is not impossible that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more direct alternative for clarity.

How to use "it is not impossible that" in a sentence?

Use "it is not impossible that" to introduce a statement where you're suggesting a possibility. For instance, "It is not impossible that the negotiations will lead to a breakthrough."