it seemed possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seemed possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a perception or belief that something could happen or be true, often in a hypothetical or uncertain context. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it seemed possible that the theory could be validated with further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Olpidium is however a challenging genus and it seemed possible that its apparent phylogenetic position was influenced by missing data.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

And initially it seemed possible.

The New York Times

It seemed possible, but Nuernberg wasn't sure.

The New York Times

And for a while, it seemed possible.

The New York Times - Sports

It seemed possible and, for one blazing moment, probable.

The New York Times

Just a few weeks ago it seemed possible.

The Economist

I could now see that it seemed possible.

Harvard Business Review

That's what people were saying, and it seemed possible.

The New Yorker

None of it seemed possible, especially the baby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For a while it seemed possible to pick a fight.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seemed possible that the battle for Kabul had begun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it seemed possible", consider adding a clarifying phrase immediately afterward to specify the conditions or assumptions upon which the possibility rests. This adds precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting something that "it seemed possible" as a definitive truth or conclusion. This phrase introduces uncertainty, so ensure the subsequent writing maintains a balanced perspective rather than asserting it as a certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seemed possible" functions as a hedge, softening a statement by indicating a degree of uncertainty or possibility. It suggests a perception or belief, as confirmed by Ludwig, rather than an established fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

27%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seemed possible" is a versatile expression used to convey a sense of possibility or potential, often with a degree of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, using this phrase to introduce potential outcomes or explanations is a smart practice, but be careful not to overstate it as fact. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "it seemed possible" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appeared feasible

Focuses more on the practical aspects and whether something could be done successfully.

it looked plausible

Suggests that something seemed believable or likely based on available evidence.

it seemed likely

Indicates a higher degree of probability compared to "it seemed possible".

it was conceivable

Emphasizes that something was imaginable or within the realm of possibility.

it was within the realm of possibility

Expands on the idea of conceivability, highlighting that something fell within certain boundaries.

the potential existed

Shifts the focus to the presence of potential, suggesting untapped capacity.

it was not out of the question

Implies that something was considered, though perhaps not favored or likely.

a chance existed

Highlights the presence of a chance, though it may be small or uncertain.

it was a prospect

Frames something as a potential future event or outcome.

there was a glimmer of hope

Indicates a slight or faint possibility, often in challenging circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "it seemed possible" in a sentence?

"It seemed possible" is used to express that something had a chance of happening or being true based on the available information at a particular time. For example, "It seemed possible that the negotiations via Jordan would lead to a breakthrough".

What are some alternatives to "it seemed possible"?

Alternatives include "it appeared feasible", "it looked plausible", or "it seemed likely", which can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it seems possible" instead of "it seemed possible"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "It seemed possible" refers to a past perception, while "it seems possible" refers to a current perception.

What is the difference between "it seemed possible" and "it was possible"?

"It seemed possible" implies a subjective assessment based on available information, while "it was possible" states an objective fact that something had the capacity to occur, regardless of whether it was perceived as such at the time.