it is not out of the question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not out of the question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is possible or feasible, even if it may seem unlikely. Example: "While we haven't considered it before, it is not out of the question that we could expand our services to include online consultations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

But she has since visited the city, she said, and "it is not out of the question" that she might move back.

The New York Times

A says that it is not out of the question.

The New Yorker

But it is not out of the question.

Harvard Business Review

It is not out of the question that yields will spike suddenly and quite dramatically.

Independent

It is not out of the question that the same thing could happen to the Yankees.

The New Yorker

An American comeback is unlikely: it is not out of the question.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's not out of the question.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not out of the question," Mr. Gibbons said.

The New York Times

But it's not out of the question".

The New York Times

"It's not out of the question," says Landis.

BBC

It's not out of the question, says Morran.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not out of the question" to introduce a possibility that might seem unlikely at first glance. It's useful when you want to keep an open mind about potential outcomes or solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not out of the question" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Consider using synonyms like "it is possible" or "it is conceivable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not out of the question" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is possible or feasible, although perhaps not very likely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It serves to introduce a degree of possibility even when the situation might seem improbable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not out of the question" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is possible, even if unlikely. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It's frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Science, offering a nuanced way to acknowledge potential outcomes without making strong assertions. Alternatives include "it is possible" or "it cannot be ruled out". When using it, aim for contexts where a cautious yet open-minded tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not impossible

Asserts that something is achievable, although it might be difficult.

it cannot be ruled out

Emphasizes that something should still be considered, as there's no definitive reason to dismiss it.

it is possible

Expresses a general possibility, slightly more direct and less nuanced than the original phrase.

it is a possibility

Identifies something as one of several potential outcomes, more straightforward.

it remains a possibility

Highlights the continuous existence of a chance or opportunity.

it is conceivable

Highlights the ability to imagine or believe something, focusing on the theoretical possibility.

it is within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is theoretically possible.

it is thinkable

Focuses on whether something can be imagined or considered, without necessarily implying likelihood.

it is a chance

Suggests a lower probability but still acknowledges the potential for something to occur.

it could happen

A more concise and informal way of expressing that something is possible.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not out of the question" in a sentence?

Use "it is not out of the question" to suggest something is possible, even if unlikely. For example, "While a complete recovery seems difficult, it is not out of the question with intensive therapy".

What phrases are similar to "it is not out of the question"?

Similar phrases include "it is possible", "it is conceivable", or "it is not impossible". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is not out of the question" or "it is possible"?

"It is not out of the question" is more nuanced and suggests a lower probability than "it is possible". Use "it is not out of the question" when you want to acknowledge a possibility without strongly implying it will happen.

When should I use "it is not out of the question" in formal writing?

Use "it is not out of the question" in formal writing when you want to cautiously introduce a potential scenario or outcome. It maintains a professional tone while acknowledging possibilities, like in the sentence: "While unconventional, it is not out of the question that we might adopt a hybrid approach".