it may be conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may be conceivable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
Example: It may be conceivable that the world will one day run entirely on renewable energy sources.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Unlike the events in Charleston this week, which demand action and attention in and of themselves, it may be conceivable to push this two-decade-old episode away, and categorize it as negligible.

The Guardian

Therefore, it may be conceivable that people from mainland China and Taiwan have similar M: F ratio due to their approximation of the lifestyle and cultural factors.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Because of the steepness of the slope, it may be conceivable that daily heating due to weather may continuously block and unblock parts of the remanence.

Geochemical Transactions

Overall, these results suggest that it may be conceivable to limit and possibly prevent postoperative complications, including cognitive decline and/or infections, through stimulation of the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway.

Duke University

For example, in the context of the HESS project, it may be conceivable to reconfigure the chip according to the surrounding noise or to deal with specific experimental conditions.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Although dental injuries were reported also in cases were the intubation was performed during elective general anesthesia (de Sousa and Mourao 2015), it may be conceivable to assume that the emergency nature of the current procedure may have been a contributing factor to the ensuing injury to multiple teeth.

Evidence-Based Endodontics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

A "passive-touch buffer" (mapping the skin much as the visual buffer is supposed to map the retina) may be conceivable, but it would not be remotely adequate to the tasks in question.

SEP

And although it may be difficult to imagine, it is conceivable that Bush and company believed they were protecting the world from destruction by Saddam's nuclear weapons.

Huffington Post

It is conceivable that it may be extended not only throughout our country, but also to neighboring countries.

Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation

On the other hand, it may be argued that all the conceivable chronicles in the Leibnizian model represent logical possibilities.

SEP

The prolonged VWP is something that some farmers may approve of and may try to implement at farm level, and it is therefore conceivable that it may be useful for the advisors in the DHI to have a reproductive performance indicator that considers the VWP.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may be conceivable" when you want to introduce a possibility that requires some consideration or is not immediately obvious. It's suitable for academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts where nuanced expression is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be conceivable" too frequently, as it can contribute to a passive and wordy writing style. Opt for more direct and active constructions where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be conceivable" functions as an epistemic modal expression, indicating a degree of possibility or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to introduce a thought or idea that is considered plausible, though not certain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

22%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it may be conceivable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, to introduce ideas that are plausible but not definitive. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's most commonly used in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts, highlighting its role in formal discourse. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid passive voice overuse. Alternative phrases like "it is possible" or "it is plausible" offer simpler ways to express similar concepts. The expression’s high frequency in authoritative sources reinforces its validity and utility in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not inconceivable

Uses a double negative to affirm possibility, which can add emphasis.

it is a possibility

A more concise way of expressing that something is possible.

it is possible

Replaces "conceivable" with a more direct term for possibility, reducing formality.

it is plausible

Similar to "possible" but suggests a greater likelihood or basis in reason.

it could happen

Simplifies the phrase to a basic statement of potential occurrence.

it is imaginable

Focuses on the ability to form a mental image or concept of something.

it is thinkable

Emphasizes that something can be considered or contemplated.

it is credible

Suggests that something is believable or worthy of trust.

it is within the realm of possibility

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something is possible.

it is not out of the question

Indicates that something is possible, though perhaps unlikely.

FAQs

How can I use "it may be conceivable" in a sentence?

You can use "it may be conceivable" to introduce a possibility or idea that warrants consideration. For example: "It may be conceivable that new technologies will revolutionize healthcare."

What phrases are similar to "it may be conceivable"?

Alternatives include "it is possible", "it is plausible", or "it is imaginable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it may be conceivable"?

"It may be conceivable" is suitable for formal writing contexts where you want to introduce a nuanced possibility. It's often used in academic, scientific, or journalistic writing.

Is "it may be conceivable" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, "it may be conceivable" is generally too formal for casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "it's possible" or "it could happen" are more appropriate in informal settings.