it is possible that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is possible that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a suggestion or a hypothetical situation. Example sentence: "It is possible that if the weather stays warm, we can go to the beach this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, it is possible that its threat category is underestimated.

Cornell University

It is possible that she overslept.

The New Yorker

It is possible that talks may resume.

The New York Times

It is possible that he did.

Independent

It is possible that one was conned".

The New Yorker

It is possible that investors are right.

The New York Times

It is possible that perspectives could change.

The Washington Post

It is possible that none could.

The New York Times

So it is possible that the NYAG could ultimately prevail.

Columbia University

It is possible that both systems are reasonable.

Cornell University

It is possible that Titus' was not the first.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is possible that", ensure that the statement is followed by a clear and specific explanation or implication. Avoid vague statements that leave the reader unsure of the potential outcome or significance.

Common error

Avoid presenting "it is possible that" as a definitive conclusion. This phrase introduces uncertainty, so ensure that it's not used to mask weak evidence or unsupported claims. Maintain a clear distinction between speculation and fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is possible that" functions as a modal phrase, introducing an element of possibility or uncertainty. It serves to present a statement as potentially true but not definitively confirmed. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's used to express speculation or conjecture across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

30%

Academia

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is possible that" is a versatile modal phrase used to introduce an element of uncertainty or possibility into a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently across scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that the statement is clear and specific, and that the possibility is not overstated as a certainty. Alternatives include "it is conceivable that" or "it is plausible that", which can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's conceivable that

Replaces "possible" with "conceivable", suggesting something is imaginable or believable.

it is conceivable that

Replaces "possible" with "conceivable", suggesting something is imaginable or believable.

it is plausible that

Substitutes "possible" with "plausible", indicating something has a reasonable basis and is likely.

it's plausible that

Substitutes "possible" with "plausible", indicating something has a reasonable basis and is likely.

it may be the case that

Emphasizes the uncertainty by using "may be the case", suggesting the situation is under consideration.

it could be that

Uses "could be" to express the potential for something to occur or be true.

it is likely that

Changes from possibility to likelihood, suggesting a higher degree of probability.

it is probable that

Suggests a higher degree of certainty than "possible", indicating something is more likely to happen.

one possibility is that

Highlights that this is one option among others, focusing on the aspect of choice.

a potential scenario is that

Frames the situation as one potential outcome, emphasizing hypothetical elements.

FAQs

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

Use "it is possible that" to introduce a statement that suggests a potential outcome, explanation, or scenario. For example, "It is possible that the meeting will be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "it is possible that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is conceivable that", "it is plausible that", or "it may be the case that" depending on the context.

Is "it is possible that" formal or informal?

"It is possible that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral phrase used to express possibility without indicating a strong degree of certainty.

When should I use "it is possible that" instead of "it is likely that"?

Use "it is possible that" when you want to express a lower degree of certainty. If you believe something has a higher chance of occurring, use "it is likely that". The choice depends on the level of confidence you wish to convey.