it is thinkable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is thinkable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is possible to consider or imagine, often in a hypothetical context. Example: "In a world where technology continues to advance at an unprecedented rate, it is thinkable that we may soon have fully autonomous vehicles on our roads."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The question, thereby, is not how high the probability of occurrence is, but rather, if it is thinkable that both characteristics considered will appear pairwise in the future.

European Journal of Futures Research

Since it is thinkable that a dream would convincingly seem as realistic (while having it) as my present experience seems, then, for all I Know, I am now dreaming.

SEP

It is thinkable that different experts evaluate individual influences as more/less relevant for the assumption of an input variable (e.g. a natural gas price assumption) thereby generating ambiguousness and dissent.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Moreover, this reading also faces the criticism that it is thinkable that even with high agreement, the finding is not at all certain, and all assessors could collectively be wrong in their valuation.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

But since there is continuous progress in the development of genetic tools for methanogens, as described above, it is thinkable that new processes with heterologeous methanogens will emerge during the next years.

AMB Express

cGiven that the same experts evaluate many fields of model-associated uncertainties, it is thinkable that the expertise in some areas is not as sound as one would expect.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But it's thinkable, even probable.

The New Yorker

How else would it be thinkable for organisations and councils to deploy 'spikes' in doorways to deter homeless people from bedding down for the night?

Independent

"But in neither of those two countries would it be thinkable that an ex-minister says to a current minister what Calderoli said to Kyenge," he added of France and Germany.

The New York Times

Plato's refusal to carve off a realm of the aesthetic from the ethical may be connected at a deep level to a refusal to treat the beautiful as though it were thinkable separately from the good.

SEP

Thereby, it is valid to think in extremes; that means, "What might happen, what is thinkable?" In this context, a wide search and the consideration of characteristics in the phase of system design is necessary.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it is thinkable", provide context to clarify the specific conditions or assumptions that make the scenario plausible.

Common error

Avoid using "it is thinkable" as a filler phrase without providing a clear and relevant possibility. Ensure the idea you're introducing has a logical basis within the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is thinkable" functions as an introductory expression, signaling the possibility or conceivability of a particular scenario or idea. It's used to introduce a hypothetical situation that warrants consideration, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is thinkable" is a grammatically sound and acceptable way to introduce a possibility or hypothetical scenario. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it finds usage across varied contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. When using "it is thinkable", be sure to provide adequate context to support the plausibility of the idea you're introducing. Alternatives such as "it is conceivable" or "it is imaginable" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is conceivable

Replaces 'thinkable' with 'conceivable', implying something is imaginable or possible.

it is imaginable

Substitutes 'thinkable' with 'imaginable', suggesting something can be pictured in the mind.

it is conceivable that

Adds 'that' to create a clause, emphasizing the hypothetical nature of the statement.

it is possible

Offers a more direct expression of possibility, replacing 'thinkable' with 'possible'.

it is plausible

Suggests something is believable or likely, instead of just conceivable.

one can imagine

Shifts the focus to the act of imagining, rather than the quality of being thinkable.

it could be envisioned

Uses 'envisioned' to emphasize a visual or detailed imagining.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logical or likely to occur, based on available information.

it is not beyond the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is within the bounds of what could happen, though perhaps unlikely.

it is within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something is possible, suggesting that the idea is valid.

FAQs

How can I use "it is thinkable" in a sentence?

Use "it is thinkable" to suggest a possibility or a scenario that could be imagined or considered. For example, "it is thinkable that new technologies will revolutionize education".

What are some alternatives to "it is thinkable"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is conceivable", "it is imaginable", or "it is possible" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "it is thinkable" or "it is possible"?

"It is possible" is generally more direct. "It is thinkable" often introduces a scenario that requires more contemplation or imaginative consideration, versus a straightforward statement of possibility.

What does "it is thinkable" imply about the likelihood of something?

"It is thinkable" suggests that something is within the realm of possibility and can be conceived, but it does not necessarily imply a high probability of occurrence. It primarily indicates that something can be considered or imagined.