it is not inconceivable that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is not inconceivable that" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a possible idea or situation that may seem unlikely, but is still possible. Example: It is not inconceivable that John will become a successful musician one day, given his natural talent and passion for music.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not inconceivable that it could happen now".

The New Yorker

It is not inconceivable that eventually libraries & univ.

The New Yorker

It is not inconceivable that an international criminal market in nuclear explosives could develop soon.

The New Yorker

It is not inconceivable that prices will remain elevated for some time yet.

Independent

It is not inconceivable that the pair may yet clash over "breaking up the banks".

Independent

Still, it is not inconceivable that fouls could force Van Gundy's hand.

The New York Times - Sports

So it is not inconceivable that the Jaguars could be in first place by Sunday night.

The Guardian - Sport

By 2016, it is not inconceivable that same-sex marriage will be a widely accepted part of American life.

The New York Times

In today's world, it is not inconceivable that the redesign after the 2012 Games could allow for retractable seating.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not inconceivable that experts can also get overrexcited – though Anfam and Christopher Rothko have testified otherwise.

The Guardian - Arts

It is not inconceivable that Ms. Zellweger, 31, could have drawn on her own life to play both roles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not inconceivable that" to introduce a possibility that might seem unlikely at first glance, but is still within the realm of what could occur. This adds a nuanced layer to your writing, suggesting consideration without definitively stating a prediction.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple negative constructions. While "it is not inconceivable that" is acceptable, adding further negatives can make your writing confusing. Opt for a more direct positive statement when clarity is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not inconceivable that" functions as a modal hedge, softening a statement and indicating a possibility without asserting it as a certainty. It introduces a proposition as something that can be imagined or considered as possible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not inconceivable that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a possibility without asserting it as a certainty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and frequently used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including news, scientific writing, and general communication. Remember to avoid overuse and maintain clarity by refraining from using the phrase in conjunction with other negatives in order to avoid confusing or convoluted language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not impossible that

Changes the wording to a more direct statement of possibility.

it is quite possible that

Emphasizes the likelihood of the event occurring.

it is conceivable that

Removes the double negative, resulting in a slightly stronger assertion.

it is not out of the question that

Offers a more idiomatic alternative, implying consideration of the possibility.

it is within the realm of possibility that

Emphasizes the theoretical possibility of the event.

it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that

Similar to the previous option, highlighting the limits of what's possible.

it is imaginable that

Focuses on the ability to imagine the event happening.

it is not unlikely that

Indicates a higher probability compared to "it is not inconceivable that".

the possibility exists that

Presents a more factual and less speculative tone.

it could happen that

Simplifies the expression to a more straightforward statement of potential occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not inconceivable that" in a sentence?

Use "it is not inconceivable that" to introduce a scenario that is possible, though perhaps unexpected. For example, "It is not inconceivable that the company will expand its operations overseas next year."

What is a simpler way to say "it is not inconceivable that"?

You can use phrases like "it is possible that", "it is imaginable that", or "it is not impossible that" to convey a similar meaning in a more direct manner.

Is "it is not inconceivable that" a formal expression?

"It is not inconceivable that" can be used in formal writing, but it is appropriate for many contexts, including news articles and general writing. Consider your audience and the desired tone when deciding whether to use it.

What's the difference between "it is not inconceivable that" and "it is unlikely that"?

"It is not inconceivable that" suggests a possibility, even if remote, while "it is unlikely that" indicates a lower probability. The former opens up a potential outcome, while the latter expresses doubt about its occurrence.