it seems possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"It seems possible" is a perfectly valid and correct phrase in written English.
It is generally used to express that something is likely to be true or possible based upon the available evidence. For example, "It seems possible that the new vaccine could help contain the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, it seems possible that an 11.8-day period is present.

Nature

It seems possible.

The New Yorker

Now it seems possible, maybe imminent.

The New York Times

It seems possible that good sense exists.

The New York Times

It seems possible to offer options in electronic gambling venues.

Journal de Thérapie Comportementale et Cognitive

Also it seems possible that it's an old-person show.

The New York Times - Magazine

From the evidence in this book, it seems possible.

The New York Times - Books

It seems possible to control the magnetic anisotropy of various materials by designing the buffer layer.

Rare Metal Materials and Engineering

Similarly, it seems possible to separate dissolution vugs from other pore systems.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

It seems possible that byproducts of the aquaculture could lead to contamination.

Harvard University

But it seems possible that Syria is destined to be a historic turning point.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems possible" to introduce suggestions or hypotheses, especially when certainty is not guaranteed. This acknowledges a degree of uncertainty while still presenting a viable option.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems possible" when the evidence strongly supports a conclusion. Opt for more assertive language to reflect the strength of the evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems possible" functions as an epistemic modal, indicating a degree of uncertainty or likelihood. Ludwig provides various examples where this phrase introduces a tentative conclusion or suggestion based on available evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems possible" is a highly versatile phrase used to express a qualified assertion or hypothesis, indicating that something is likely or could be true based on the available evidence. As stated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and used across various fields, including science, news, and business. Ludwig's examples and the frequency analysis confirm its common usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Nature. When writing, remember to use it when you want to suggest a possibility without overstating the certainty of your claim. While alternatives like "it appears feasible" or "it seems plausible" can be used, "it seems possible" remains a reliable choice for conveying a sense of likelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears feasible

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "possible" with "feasible", implying practicality.

it seems plausible

Substitutes "possible" with "plausible", suggesting credibility or believability.

it is potentially viable

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "seems" with "is potentially" and "possible" with "viable".

it is conceivable

Replaces "seems possible" with "is conceivable", indicating something imaginable or believable.

it is within the realm of possibility

A more emphatic and descriptive alternative, highlighting the potential for something to occur.

it is not out of the question

Expresses possibility by negating impossibility, suggesting a chance exists.

the possibility exists

Shifts the focus to the existence of a chance rather than a subjective assessment.

it could be the case

Suggests a potential reality or truth, rather than mere possibility.

it is a distinct possibility

Emphasizes that the possibility is clear and noteworthy.

there's a chance

A more informal and concise way of expressing that something is possible.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems possible" to express that something is likely to be true or to happen, based on the available information but without complete certainty. For example, "It seems possible that the new policy will improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "it seems possible"?

You can use alternatives like "it appears feasible", "it seems plausible", or "it is potentially viable" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it seems possible" and "it is possible"?

"It seems possible" implies a degree of subjective assessment based on observation or evidence, while "it is possible" is a more direct statement about the potential for something to occur without necessarily implying a subjective assessment.

When is it inappropriate to use "it seems possible"?

Avoid using "it seems possible" when you have concrete evidence or data that confirms something definitively. In such cases, a more assertive statement is more appropriate.