may be possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be possible" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to suggest an idea or possibility, often as an alternative or in response to another idea/situation. For example, "We could try changing the format of our presentation, or it may be possible to condense the material so we can still use the original version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That may be possible.

The New York Times

It may be possible.

The Economist

Consensus may be possible.

The Economist

But it may be possible.

The Economist

Potential compromises may be possible.

The New York Times

It may be possible to do more than you think.

The New York Times - Health

It may be possible to do without dancing entirely.

The Guardian - Books

"We believe that may be possible," Ms. Schneider said.

The New York Times

If history is a guide, that may be possible.

The New York Times

Clive Owen and Colin Farrell may be possible Burtons.

The Guardian - Film

It may be possible to allow people unlimited sick days.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be possible" to introduce an idea that you are not certain about, but believe has a chance of happening or being true. This phrase is useful when providing suggestions or exploring options.

Common error

Avoid using "may be possible" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Opt for stronger verbs or more direct statements when the context allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be possible" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and widely used expression. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in suggesting potential outcomes across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be possible" is a versatile phrase used to express a degree of uncertainty about a potential action or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While appropriate for both formal and informal communication, it's crucial to avoid overuse in formal contexts, as it may convey hesitation. Consider using alternatives like "could be possible" or "it's feasible" to vary your writing style. The linguistic analysis highlights its function as a modal phrase, serving to introduce suggestions or explore hypothetical scenarios. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively incorporate "may be possible" into their vocabulary to communicate potentiality with nuance and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be possible

Replaces "may" with "could", suggesting a slightly lower degree of certainty.

might be possible

Substitutes "may" with "might", also conveying a slightly less certain possibility.

it is potentially possible

Adds emphasis with "potentially", highlighting the possibility but can sound redundant.

it is perhaps possible

Uses "perhaps" to soften the statement, making it less assertive.

it's conceivable

Replaces "may be possible" with a single word implying that something can be imagined or believed.

it's feasible

Indicates that something is practical and capable of being done.

it's within the realm of possibility

A more formal way of saying something is possible, emphasizing that it falls within certain boundaries.

there's a chance

A more informal way to express possibility, suggesting a degree of uncertainty.

it is not out of the question

Expresses possibility by negating impossibility, implying that the option is open.

it is a potential option

Focuses on the aspect of something being a choice or alternative that could be considered.

FAQs

How can I use "may be possible" in a sentence?

The phrase "may be possible" suggests a potential outcome or action. For example, "It "may be possible" to complete the project ahead of schedule if we allocate more resources."

What phrases are similar to "may be possible"?

Alternatives to "may be possible" include "could be possible", "might be possible", or "it's feasible", depending on the level of certainty you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "may be possible" or "is possible"?

"May be possible" implies a degree of uncertainty or contingency, while "is possible" states a fact or a stronger likelihood. The choice depends on the context and the confidence you have in the statement.

What's the difference between "may be possible" and "may be potential"?

"May be possible" indicates something that can occur or be achieved. "May be potential" suggests something that has the capacity to develop or happen. Although both suggest uncertainty, "potential" focuses more on inherent qualities rather than realizability.