it is remotely possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is remotely possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a very low likelihood of something occurring or being true. Example: "While the chances are slim, it is remotely possible that we could finish the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Is it safe to say there is zero risk with thimerosal, when it is remotely possible that one child would get sick?

The New York Times - Magazine

I had to ask: It is remotely possible that he needed to make the transition because his mom is Cher?

The New York Times

But, she said, "I don't see how it is remotely possible for the others to get under way".

The New York Times

Shed it all, we are told, or at least all that it is remotely possible to shed.

Harvard Business Review

It is remotely possible that the aftermath of this disaster might ironically lead to the go-ahead for a new generation of smaller, safer nuclear designs that are in development.

The Washington Post

Put simply, cricket must be played whenever it is remotely possible.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

There may well be a legitimate explanation: Maybe it's remotely possible the company lost more than half its value in the past year, maybe he was wrong about its value in the first place, or maybe negotiations for the sale just went badly for him.

The Washington Post

Could it be remotely possible that we are now making the same mistake with plants?

The New Yorker

It's remotely possible that Trump — somehow — has bubbled himself off from all the fact-checking on this front.

The Washington Post

It's remotely possible that some of you missed the very important and very lengthy Democratic debate this week.

The New York Times

It's remotely possible that the euro won't even survive Euro 2012 intact, depending on how other nations react to a new Greek government.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is remotely possible" to acknowledge an event or outcome that is unlikely but still feasible. This adds a layer of cautious optimism or realism to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "it is remotely possible" when describing highly probable scenarios; this phrase is best reserved for situations with a genuine, albeit small, chance of occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is remotely possible" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating the speaker's assessment of the likelihood of a situation. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is used to express a weak possibility or a low degree of certainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is remotely possible" is a phrase used to express a low degree of likelihood, acknowledging that something could happen but is not very probable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While common in News & Media and Science, it is less frequent in more formal settings. When using this phrase, consider whether a more direct statement of improbability or possibility might be more suitable, and be aware of the risk of understating the certainty of a highly probably event. Related alternatives include "it is slightly possible" or "there is a remote chance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is slightly possible

Replaces "remotely" with "slightly", suggesting a marginally higher degree of possibility.

it is faintly possible

Substitutes "remotely" with "faintly", indicating a very slim chance or a weak possibility.

it is conceivable

Uses "conceivable" to suggest that something is imaginable or believable, though not necessarily probable.

it is imaginable

Replaces the entire phrase with "imaginable", focusing on the capacity to be imagined rather than its likelihood.

it is within the realm of possibility

Expands the phrase to emphasize that something falls inside the boundaries of what is possible, even if improbable.

there is a remote chance

Changes the structure to focus on the "chance" itself, described as "remote".

it is not entirely impossible

Uses a double negative to express possibility, conveying a sense that while unlikely, it cannot be ruled out.

it is a long shot

Employs an idiom to indicate something with a low probability of success.

it is a slim possibility

Highlights the possibility as "slim", emphasizing its small size or likelihood.

it is just barely possible

Adds "just barely" to underscore the minimal extent to which something is possible.

FAQs

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

Use "it is remotely possible" to indicate something has a slight chance of happening. For example, "While highly improbable, "it is remotely possible" that our team could still win the championship."

What phrases are similar to "it is remotely possible"?

Similar phrases include "it is slightly possible", "there is a remote chance", or "it is conceivable". Each conveys a low probability with slight differences in nuance.

Is "it is remotely possible" the same as "it is impossible"?

No, "it is remotely possible" implies a small chance exists, while "it is impossible" means there is no chance at all. The former leaves room for hope or a low likelihood, whereas the latter does not.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it is remotely possible"?

Avoid using "it is remotely possible" when the event is highly likely or certain, as this understates the probability. It is also unsuitable if the event is definitively impossible.