may conceivably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may conceivably be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood of something occurring or being true, often in a speculative context. Example: "The results of the experiment may conceivably be influenced by external factors that were not accounted for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Or they may conceivably be working out a grand bargain.

The Economist

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

The New York Times - Science

32 Mb ram Commercial suicide though this may conceivably be for the publisher, it's devilishly handy for the user.

The Guardian - Tech

So movies like August: Osage County, Philomena and Saving Mr Banks may conceivably be fading, while Gravity, 12 Years and American Hustle pull ahead.

The Guardian - Film

Up ahead, a stern, black-bearded old gentleman is posing with a pair of leggy blondes who may conceivably be his granddaughters.

The Guardian - Film

It may, conceivably, be possible to cut deals with the private sector if they are genuinely beneficial, but only when it is completely clear that the public qualities of a place are not being compromised.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Thus while FRS2 and FRS3 may not be over-expressed in cancer, they may still conceivably be a viable target if their inhibition is selectively effective in cancer but not benign cells.

BMC Cancer

Jesse Byock (1990) states that the name Barnstokkr may not conceivably be the original name of the tree, and instead that it is possible that it may have originally been bran(d)stokkr, the first part of the compound potentially having been brandr, (meaning brand or firebrand), a word sometimes synonymous with "hearth", and pointing to a potential connection to the fire burning within the hall.

Wikipedia

Others think there may still conceivably be a chance that media coverage could present a high enough risk of prejudice to a trial to trigger a successful contempt prosecution, but media law expert Dario Milo at solicitors firm Webber Wenztel says it would need to a "pretty egregious breach".

The Guardian - Opinion

A callow stripling of 60 or so may then conceivably be allowed to steer the kingdom faster towards modernity and perhaps even greater justice, equality and choice; forget the infamy of full democracy for now.The pity is that the reforms have come so late and have previously been so tentative.

The Economist

Too many accounts of spying in the Middle East dwell on the high reputation of Israel's Mossad, a reputation which may just conceivably be out of date.Mr Bergman is a respected investigative journalist working for Israel's biggest-selling daily newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "may conceivably be" with a more direct phrase if a stronger assertion is intended and evidence supports it. For example, use "is likely to be" when the likelihood is high.

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "could be" or "might be" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may conceivably be" functions as an epistemic modal, expressing possibility or contingency. It combines the modal verb 'may' with the adverb 'conceivably' to suggest a speculative or hypothetical scenario. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may conceivably be" is a useful tool for expressing possibility with a hint of speculation, and it is considered grammatically correct by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in science and news media, it serves to hedge claims and introduce potential outcomes without asserting them as definitive truths. While versatile, it's important to consider the context; simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to employ "may conceivably be" when a touch of formality and a degree of uncertainty align with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could possibly be

Emphasizes possibility, similar to "may conceivably be" but with a slightly stronger suggestion of doubt.

might conceivably be

Interchangeable with "may conceivably be", offering the same degree of uncertainty.

may perhaps be

Replaces "conceivably" with "perhaps", softening the speculative tone.

might potentially be

Substitutes "conceivably" with "potentially", highlighting the inherent possibility of something.

could potentially be

Combines "could" and "potentially" to express a possible future state.

might possibly be

Uses both "possibly" and "might" for a slightly less formal tone.

may just be

Indicates a weaker possibility, suggesting something is only slightly likely.

may theoretically be

Suggests something is possible in theory, but not necessarily in practice.

is potentially

Focuses on the potential of something being in a certain state or condition

is possibly

Emphasizes the possibility of something being in a certain state or condition, without the emphasis of a modal verb.

FAQs

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

The phrase "may conceivably be" expresses a possibility or potential outcome. For example: "The observed effect "may conceivably be" due to unforeseen factors."

What phrases are similar to "may conceivably be"?

Alternatives include "could possibly be", "might conceivably be", or "may perhaps be". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "may conceivably be" formal or informal?

"May conceivably be" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic writing, professional reports, and other contexts where a degree of formality is appropriate. Simpler alternatives like "could be" or "might be" are preferable for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "may conceivably be" and "is likely to be"?

"May conceivably be" suggests a possibility, while "is likely to be" indicates a higher degree of probability. Use "is likely to be" when there is stronger evidence supporting the assertion.