it would be conceivable that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be conceivable that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a possibility or hypothetical situation that may be considered plausible. Example: "In the context of climate change, it would be conceivable that rising sea levels could displace millions of people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I don't believe there have been other protests, or that it would be conceivable that a protest address another minister with the slogan 'You are beat, the French are in the street,' " said Ms. Taubira, who has tight-braided cornrows and a slight vocal lilt.

The New York Times

It would be conceivable that different variables can interact at different levels to headache-associated burden.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

By that standard, though, it would be conceivable that the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter is a rational number, when it isn't.

SEP

Since the PPARs act as RXR heterodimers it would be conceivable that RXR competition could occur among the PPAR isoforms.

Plosone

Therefore, it would be conceivable that no differences were found in the plasma levels of α-defensins1-3 in our chronically-infected patients.

Plosone

It would be conceivable that a high production of α-defensins1-3 by immature DC could act by damaging the virus prior or after its internalization.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The head of a rival says, without batting an eyelid, that it would be conceivable to raise $100 billion in the next decade.The worriers are right to fear that all this could become reckless.

The Economist

None of that would be conceivable today.

The New Yorker

Following the trend in the Ipsos-MORI figures, which shows that the younger you are, the more likely you are to vote for Labour, it would therefore be conceivable that the percentage of those voting for Labour among 16-17 year-olds would be even higher than in the 18-24 agroupoup.

Independent

"Would it be conceivable that we would speak?

The New York Times - Sports

With the possible relative over-representation of ER-negative tumours as explained, it would be entirely conceivable that breast cancer in the overall older population is even less aggressive than shown here.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it would be conceivable that", ensure the rest of the sentence provides a clear context or reason why the possibility is being considered. This helps to strengthen the argument and avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "it would be conceivable that" in situations where a more direct statement is appropriate. Overuse of hedging language can make your writing sound uncertain or lacking in confidence. In cases where the possibility is well-established or widely accepted, a more assertive tone may be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be conceivable that" functions as a modal expression, introducing a statement of possibility or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and suggests that something is within the realm of possibility based on certain conditions or reasoning. It serves to hedge a claim, indicating a degree of uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it would be conceivable that" is a versatile expression used to introduce possibilities or hypotheses with a degree of reasoned consideration. Grammatically sound and fairly common, as validated by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, including science and news media, where objectivity is important. It serves as a hedging device, allowing speakers and writers to present potential outcomes without fully committing to their certainty. While alternatives like "it is possible that" or "it is plausible that" exist, this specific phrasing is best suited for contexts where a reasoned, though uncertain, outcome is being presented. Remember to provide enough context to support the proposition and to avoid overuse, which could dilute the strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's possible that

This alternative replaces the conditional "would be conceivable" with a more direct statement of possibility.

it is imaginable that

This alternative substitutes "conceivable" with "imaginable", focusing on the ability to envision something.

it is plausible that

This alternative uses "plausible" instead of "conceivable", suggesting something is believable or likely.

it is reasonable to assume that

This alternative introduces an element of assumption based on reason.

one could envision that

This alternative uses a more active voice, with "one" as the subject and "envision" replacing "conceivable".

it stands to reason that

This alternative suggests a logical consequence or inference.

it might be the case that

This alternative expresses a tentative possibility or potential situation.

it could happen that

This alternative is a simpler, more direct way of expressing possibility.

it is within the realm of possibility that

This alternative emphasizes that something is not impossible, even if unlikely.

there is a chance that

This alternative highlights the existence of an opportunity or probability.

FAQs

What does "it would be conceivable that" mean?

The phrase "it would be conceivable that" suggests that something is possible or imaginable, often based on a certain set of circumstances or reasoning. It implies that while not certain, the outcome is within the realm of possibility.

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

You can use "it would be conceivable that" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or a possible outcome based on current conditions. For example, "Given the current economic climate, "it would be conceivable that" interest rates will rise."

Are there alternatives to "it would be conceivable that"?

Yes, alternatives include "it is possible that", "it is imaginable that", or "it is plausible that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "it is conceivable that" or "it would be conceivable that"?

While both are grammatically correct, "it would be conceivable that" often implies a conditional or hypothetical situation, whereas "it is conceivable that" suggests a more general possibility. The choice depends on whether you are discussing a specific scenario or a broader potential.