it is possibly able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is possibly able to" is not correct and sounds awkward in written English.
It is generally used to express uncertainty about someone's or something's capability, but the construction is convoluted and can be simplified. Example: "The machine is possibly able to complete the task, but we need to test it first."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our example shows that the middle zinc finger of Sp1 is possibly able to bind a three base pair motif CGC as well as one with four base pairs, CTGC.

BMC Genomics

"We had," he began, "a difficult year... we faced heavy massacres organized by IS that they were possibly able to carry out with support from within Turkey".

Vice

Several recent works indicate that a higher activation of molecular chaperones and degradative systems is present in muscle cells, which for this reason are possibly able to better manage misfolded mutant SOD1.

Neurochemistry International

It is noteworthy that with both species oospore vitality as measured by tetrazolium bromide staining was greater than that indicated by oospore germination, a result that mirrored those of Widmer ([2011]), who speculated that for Phytophthora kernoviae, oospores become dormant at 30°C, but may remain viable and be possibly able to germinate when dormancy is broken.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

This implies that populations are possibly able to adapt rapidly to novel abiotic environments.

Biology Letters

Therefore interventions directed to increase adiponectin levels in diabetes mellitus type 2 are possibly able to improve endothelial function.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Moreover, control patients are possibly able to limit further Al burden through neuroprotective or antioxidant mechanisms which are absent in ND patients.

BioMed Research International

Most obviously, you can let yourself off writing as well as you're possibly able.

The Guardian - Books

He said: "Bearing in mind Warren is in prison, with the communications restrictions that entails, even if he had this amount of money, how is he possibly able to settle £198m in 28 days?

The Guardian

l-Lactate is a metabolite possibly able to meet some neuronal energy demands.

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

There is an overrepresentation of medium and large hospitals, as small hospitals are possibly not able to achieve the costly, IT and accounting standards required.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "it is possibly able to" in formal writing. Opt for more concise and grammatically sound alternatives like "it may be able to" or "it might be able to".

Common error

Using "it is possibly able to" can make your writing sound verbose and less professional. Choose stronger verbs or adverbs to convey the same meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is possibly able to" functions as a means of expressing uncertainty regarding the capacity or capability of something or someone. As Ludwig AI explains, it's not the best construction.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is possibly able to" is considered grammatically awkward and redundant in contemporary English. As Ludwig AI reports, this construction isn't ideal. While its meaning is clear – expressing potential capability with uncertainty – there are better alternatives. For clearer and more effective communication, consider using phrases like "it may be able to", "it might be able to", or "it could possibly". These alternatives provide the same meaning with improved conciseness and grammatical flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it may be able to

Replaces "is possibly able to" with a simpler and more direct expression of possibility.

it might be able to

Similar to "it may be able to", offering another straightforward alternative.

it could possibly

This option removes 'able to' and focuses on the potential action.

it is potentially able to

Substitutes "possibly" with "potentially", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is perhaps able to

Replaces "possibly" with "perhaps", another synonym indicating uncertainty.

it can possibly

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning of potential capability.

it is likely able to

Indicates a higher degree of probability compared to "possibly".

it is conceivably able to

Uses "conceivably" to suggest that something is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

it is imaginably able to

Similar to 'conceivably', this alternative suggests something can be imagined or conceived.

it would possibly be able to

Adds a conditional aspect, implying the ability depends on certain circumstances.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it is possibly able to"?

You can use alternatives like "it may be able to", "it might be able to", or "it could possibly" depending on the context.

Is "it is possibly able to" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "it is possibly able to" is considered awkward and redundant. It's better to use more concise alternatives.

How can I improve my writing to avoid phrases like "it is possibly able to"?

Focus on using strong verbs and adverbs, and revise your sentences to be more direct and concise. For instance, instead of "it is possibly able to do something", try "it may do something".

What's the difference between "it is possibly able to" and "it is potentially able to"?

While both phrases express possibility, "potentially" suggests a higher degree of capability than "possibly". However, both can be improved by using simpler alternatives.