might conceivably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might 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: "Given the current circumstances, it might conceivably rain tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They might conceivably be made accessible to a new regulator.

The Guardian

He said he might "conceivably" employ nuclear weapons.

The New Yorker

Now I have discussions about which might conceivably not be.

The Guardian - Opinion

First, nothing must be done that might conceivably hasten death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Nowadays it might conceivably be used in a rhinoplasty ad).

The New York Times - Arts

He might conceivably have become prime minister in Greece.

Independent

Once upon a time, the editor might conceivably have got away with that.

The Guardian

DJing might conceivably be the only profession that is a true representation of current social norms.

The Guardian - Music

He listed among "the disadvantages of this… he might conceivably comply fully".

The Guardian - Opinion

If that were the case, this visionary appointment might, conceivably, have been justified.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such a theory might conceivably be well-founded but this was a jarring outcome.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might conceivably" to introduce a scenario that is not immediately obvious or probable, but still within the realm of possibility. It adds a layer of nuanced speculation to your writing.

Common error

While "might conceivably" is a valid phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or overly cautious. Vary your language by using alternatives like "could possibly" or "may perhaps" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might conceivably" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the assertion of possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a potential outcome or situation that isn't necessarily probable but remains within the realm of consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might conceivably" is a versatile phrase used to express a possibility or potential outcome, often when considering scenarios that are not immediately obvious. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While "might conceivably" is useful for introducing speculation, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives such as "could possibly" or "may perhaps" to maintain variety in your writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for various professional settings, allowing you to add nuance and speculation to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could possibly

Emphasizes the potential or possibility, downplaying likelihood.

may perhaps

Indicates uncertainty and slight possibility.

could potentially

Highlights the potential for something to happen or exist.

might possibly

Reinforces the element of possibility, but can sound redundant.

may conceivably

Replaces "might" with "may", keeping the emphasis on conceivability.

possibly could

Inverts the order to place "possibly" first, changing the emphasis slightly.

potentially may

Similar to "could potentially" but uses "may" instead of "could".

conceivably could

Moves "conceivably" to the beginning, emphasizing the ability to conceive of something.

it is conceivable that

Rephrases the expression into a full clause emphasizing the conceivability of a situation.

it is possible that

Expresses a similar idea using more common and direct language.

FAQs

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

Use "might conceivably" to express a possibility, often when considering a less obvious or expected outcome. For example, "Given the right conditions, the experiment might conceivably succeed."

What can I say instead of "might conceivably"?

You can use alternatives like "could possibly", "may perhaps", or "potentially could" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "might conceivably" or "could conceivably"?

"Might conceivably" and "could conceivably" are largely interchangeable, but "might" often suggests a slightly lower probability than "could". Choose the one that best reflects the degree of possibility you intend to communicate.

What is the difference between "might conceivably" and "might possibly"?

While both phrases express possibility, "might conceivably" often implies a consideration of whether something is even imaginable or believable, whereas "might possibly" simply indicates a chance of occurrence. "Might conceivably" is more about the realm of possibility, while "might possibly" is more about the likelihood.