it may be possible

USAGE SUMMARY

'it may be possible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express doubt or uncertainty about something. For example: "It may be possible to find a cheaper alternative, but it's unlikely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It may be possible.

The Economist

But it may be possible.

The Economist

It may be possible to do more than you think.

The New York Times - Health

It may be possible to do without dancing entirely.

The Guardian - Books

It may be possible to allow people unlimited sick days.

The New York Times

But it may be possible to correct for that.

Cornell University

It may be possible to amend the law.

Cornell University

Soon, it may be possible alter it intentionally.

Columbia University

"It may be possible to outmaneuver a single mullah.

The New York Times

But it may be possible to rehabilitate them, he said, just as it may be possible to dig new tunnels.

The Washington Post

It may be possible to have a world without magic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it may be possible" to introduce an idea that is not certain but has a reasonable chance of occurring or being true. This phrasing is particularly useful in scenarios where outcomes are speculative or dependent on future conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be possible" when you have strong evidence or high confidence in an outcome. In such cases, a more assertive phrase like "it is likely" or "it is probable" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be possible" functions as a hedge, softening claims and indicating a degree of uncertainty or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in various contexts. It is used to introduce potential outcomes or actions without committing to their certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may be possible" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility or uncertainty across a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of uncertainty aligns with the available evidence, avoiding overstatement of likelihood. Alternative phrases, such as "it could be possible" or "it is potentially possible", can be used to fine-tune the degree of certainty conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be possible

Replaces 'may' with 'could', suggesting a slightly lower degree of certainty.

it is potentially possible

Adds 'potentially' for emphasis, highlighting the possibility aspect.

it is perhaps possible

Uses 'perhaps' instead of 'may', offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is conceivably possible

Emphasizes the conceivability of the possibility.

it is within the realm of possibility

A more descriptive and formal way to express that something is possible.

it is not out of the question

Expresses possibility by negating its impossibility; slightly more indirect.

there is a chance it's possible

Introduces the element of chance, implying a less controlled possibility.

the possibility exists

Focuses on the existence of the possibility itself, rather than its likelihood.

it's a plausible possibility

Emphasizes the plausibility of the possible outcome.

it has the potential to be possible

Highlights the potential for something to become possible in the future.

FAQs

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

Use "it may be possible" to introduce an idea that is not certain but has a reasonable chance of occurring or being true. For example, "It may be possible to reduce costs by streamlining the process".

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

You can use alternatives like "it could be possible", "it is potentially possible", or "it is perhaps possible" depending on the context.

When is it more appropriate to use "it is likely" instead of "it may be possible"?

Use "it is likely" when you have a higher degree of confidence in the outcome. "It may be possible" suggests more uncertainty than "it is likely".

What's the difference between "it may be possible" and "it is conceivable"?

"It may be possible" suggests a practical consideration of possibility, while "it is conceivable" implies that something is imaginable or theoretically possible, even if unlikely in practice.