it was possible that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was possible that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the possibility of something being true or happening. For example, "It was possible that the school would close early due to snow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The forecast maximum is 33C, but Baillie said it was possible that would not be reached.

The Guardian

Some lawyers said it was possible that Crédit Lyonnais could lose its United States banking license.

The New York Times

"It was possible that mistakes were made.

The New York Times

It was possible that I did not know about it.

The New York Times

Rolet told Bloomberg it was possible that business could move.

The Guardian - Business

It was possible that they didn't even believe in God.

The New Yorker

It was possible that more shooters would show up.

The New Yorker

But it was possible that we did not know it.

Independent

It was possible that they only appeared because of laboratory conditions used for the experiment.

Stanford University

And then, I said, suppose it was possible that one hemisphere of your brain is enough.

Yale University

It was possible that ultrasonic treatment is an effective way for enhancing antitumor activity of polysaccharides.

Carbohydrate Polymers

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was possible that", ensure the sentence clearly conveys the uncertainty or possibility you intend to express. Avoid ambiguity by providing context that clarifies the scope and likelihood of the possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "it was possible that" when the situation suggests a higher degree of certainty. Overusing the phrase can dilute the impact of genuine uncertainties and make your writing appear hesitant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was possible that" functions as a hedging device, introducing a proposition with a degree of uncertainty or possibility. It presents a statement as potentially true without asserting it as a fact. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was possible that" serves as a versatile tool for expressing uncertainty and possibility across various contexts. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in both formal and informal settings. While very common in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", it allows writers to introduce speculative elements without committing to definitive statements. Using alternatives like "it is conceivable that" can further nuance your writing, ensuring that the degree of uncertainty is accurately conveyed. Remember to use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in situations demanding greater certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is conceivable that

Emphasizes the imaginability or believability of something.

it is plausible that

Highlights the apparent reasonableness or credibility.

it is likely that

Indicates a higher probability or expectation.

it is imaginable that

Stresses the capacity to be imagined or conceived.

it is not out of the question that

Suggests that something is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

it cannot be ruled out that

Implies that something must be considered as a potential factor.

there's a chance that

Uses a more colloquial expression to indicate a possibility.

it is within the realm of possibility that

Formally emphasizes that something can happen or be true.

it may be the case that

Highlights the potential truth or reality of a situation.

one cannot dismiss the possibility that

Emphasizes the need to acknowledge a certain possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "it was possible that" in a sentence?

You can use "it was possible that" to introduce a situation that might have occurred or might be true. For example, "it was possible that the train was delayed".

What phrases are similar to "it was possible that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is conceivable that", "it is plausible that", or "it is likely that", depending on the degree of possibility you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it was possible that" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was possible that" is suitable for formal writing. It's a grammatically correct and widely accepted way to express possibility without asserting certainty.

What is the difference between "it was possible that" and "it was probable that"?

"It was possible that" indicates a chance or potential, while "it was probable that" suggests a higher likelihood or expectation. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.