may conceivably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may conceivably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood that something could happen or be true, often in a speculative context. Example: "The project may conceivably lead to significant advancements in renewable energy technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She may conceivably get her wish.

The New York Times

If not it may, conceivably, appear fresh.

The Guardian - Music

He may conceivably have had a late night.

The Guardian - Film

Shaun Marsh may conceivably come in for his brother, Mitchell.

Independent

Or they may conceivably be working out a grand bargain.

The Economist

Governments may conceivably nurture forest transitions already underway via economic policies, but they cannot coordinate them.

Ecological Economics

However, both mechanisms are not mutually exclusive and may conceivably have acted simultaneously19.

Nature

Amid the din of radiating stars, an orderly train of pulses may conceivably be a message.

The New York Times - Science

Dr Mishkin may conceivably have been carrying an antidote in case of accidental self-poisoning.

The Times

Diana's relationship with Hasnat may conceivably have been exactly as this film says it was.

The Guardian - Film

They may conceivably elect not to decide it if it does.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may conceivably" to introduce a speculative possibility that is based on some evidence or reasoning, rather than pure conjecture.

Common error

Avoid using "may conceivably" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your arguments sound weak or uncertain. Balance it with more assertive statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may conceivably" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It serves to express a degree of possibility or likelihood, indicating that something is possible but not certain. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may conceivably" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that expresses a possibility or potential outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. When using "may conceivably", consider alternatives like "might possibly" or "could potentially" to add nuance and avoid overuse. Be mindful of the speculative nature of the phrase, ensuring it aligns with the desired tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might possibly

Emphasizes a slightly weaker possibility than "may conceivably".

could potentially

Highlights the inherent potential for something to happen.

might reasonably

Suggests a possibility based on logical inference or reason.

may plausibly

Indicates that something is believable or credible.

could feasibly

Focuses on the practical possibility of something occurring.

may conceivably

Expresses the possibility of something happening or being true

perhaps

A simple and direct way to indicate uncertainty or possibility.

possibly

A general term indicating a chance or likelihood.

imaginably

Signifies something that can be conceived or imagined.

theoretically

Implies that something is possible in theory, though perhaps not in practice.

FAQs

How can I use "may conceivably" in a sentence?

Use "may conceivably" to introduce a possibility or potential outcome, often when there is some uncertainty but also some basis for the speculation. For example, "The new policy may conceivably lead to improved efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "may conceivably"?

You can use alternatives like "might possibly", "could potentially", or "may plausibly" depending on the context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "may conceivably" or "might conceivably"?

Both "may conceivably" and "might conceivably" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as there's no significant difference in their usage.

What is the difference between "may conceivably" and "may likely"?

"May conceivably" suggests a possibility that is considered somewhat uncertain or speculative, while "may likely" indicates a stronger probability or expectation. Use "may likely" when the outcome is more probable than just conceivable.