looks possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something appears to be feasible or achievable based on the current information or situation. Example: "Given the resources we have, it looks possible to complete the project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fortunately, a compromise looks possible.

The New York Times

Even more unusual, justice looks possible.

The New York Times

Nobody quite knows, though it looks possible.

The Guardian

In the Land of PowerPoint, it all looks possible.

Princeton University

But a negotiated price reduction still looks possible.

The New York Times

Yet, suddenly, a full dress fiasco looks possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another small drop, to 4.6percentt, looks possible.

The New York Times

And although immigration reform still looks possible, the trade outlook is bleaker.

The Economist

A virtuous circle of falling unemployment and rising consumer spending looks possible.

The New York Times

A loss there, which looks possible, could cause panic in Berlin.

The Economist

It looks possible, though, that something useful is indeed about to happen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks possible" to convey an assessment based on current observations or information. It suggests a reasoned judgment rather than a definitive declaration. Consider your audience. This phrase suits a variety of contexts, but avoid it when certainty is required.

Common error

Avoid using "looks possible" when you need to express absolute certainty. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty. If you are certain, use phrases like "is definitely possible" or "is certain to happen" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks possible" functions as an adjective phrase expressing a subjective assessment of feasibility. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English. It suggests something appears achievable based on available evidence or current circumstances, without implying absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something appears feasible or achievable based on current observations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a degree of uncertainty, so avoid it when absolute certainty is required. Alternatives like "seems achievable" or "appears feasible" can be used for similar effect, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems achievable

Replaces "looks" with "seems", emphasizing perception of achievability.

appears feasible

Uses "appears" instead of "looks" for a slightly more formal tone, and "feasible" instead of "possible".

is potentially viable

More formal and emphasizes the potential for success or development.

could be attainable

Focuses on the capability of being attained, with a slightly stronger emphasis on effort.

is within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is not impossible, though not necessarily likely.

presents a prospect

Highlights the future potential and outlook of a situation.

shows promise

Indicates early signs of potential success or positive development.

is on the cards

Informal idiom suggesting something is likely to happen.

is a distinct likelihood

Emphasizes a notable chance of something occurring.

holds potential

Highlights the inherent capability for future development or success.

FAQs

How can I use "looks possible" in a sentence?

You can use "looks possible" to express that something seems achievable or feasible based on the available information. For example, "Given the current progress, completing the project on time "looks possible"".

What can I say instead of "looks possible"?

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

Is "looks like it's possible" grammatically correct compared to "looks possible"?

While "looks like it's possible" is grammatically correct, it's more verbose and less concise than simply saying ""looks possible"". The latter is often preferred for its directness and clarity.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "looks possible"?

It's inappropriate to use ""looks possible"" when you need to convey absolute certainty. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty or assessment based on current observation, so using it in situations requiring definitive statements can be misleading.