might conceivably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might conceivably be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or hypothetical situation that is considered plausible. Example: "The results of the experiment might 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

60 human-written examples

Thompson, McCain, Paul, and Hunter at least avoided that humiliation, but only Hunter was willing to say out loud that there might conceivably be conceivable circumstances ("a national emergency") under which a tax increase might be conceivably warranted.

The New Yorker

They might conceivably be made accessible to a new regulator.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The Guardian - Music

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

The Guardian - Sport

Your first thought might conceivably be, "I bet the car was defective".

The Economist

That might conceivably be enough to let Mahmoud Abbas, the PA's president, return to the table.

The Economist

The rules presume a right to nearly anything in the other party's possession that might conceivably be relevant.

The Economist

But, he added, a mother who killed her fetus by taking illegal drugs might conceivably be charged.

The New York Times

The most promising candidate is currently in clinical trials in Mozambique, and might, conceivably, be ready by 2011.

The Economist

For anyone with access to information that might conceivably be considered as sensitive, contact with outsiders is becoming risky.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might conceivably be" to introduce possibilities that require careful consideration and aren't immediately obvious. This phrase is suitable for formal and analytical writing, where precision and nuance are important.

Common error

Avoid using "might conceivably be" when a stronger expression of possibility or certainty is warranted. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly cautious or hesitant when a more confident statement would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might conceivably be" functions as a modal phrase, expressing possibility or potential with a degree of uncertainty. As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves to introduce scenarios or explanations that are plausible but not definitively confirmed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might conceivably be" is a modal phrase used to express a plausible but uncertain possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When writing, using alternatives such as "could possibly be" or "may potentially be" can provide nuance. Ensure that you don't overuse this phrase when a more confident statement is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could possibly be

Expresses a slightly stronger possibility compared to the original phrase.

may potentially be

Emphasizes the potential for something to happen or exist.

could reasonably be

Suggests a logical or justifiable possibility.

might realistically be

Implies that a possibility is grounded in reality and practical considerations.

may plausibly be

Indicates that something is believable or credible, adding a layer of conviction.

might theoretically be

Focuses on a possibility within a theoretical framework.

could imaginably be

Suggests a possibility within the realm of imagination.

may hypothetically be

Posits a possibility as a hypothetical scenario.

might perchance be

An archaic alternative that suggests a chance occurrence.

may remotely be

Indicates a slight or distant possibility.

FAQs

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

Use "might conceivably be" to express a possibility that is considered plausible but not definite. For example: "The observed anomalies "might conceivably be" explained by quantum fluctuations."

What are some alternatives to "might conceivably be"?

Alternatives include "could possibly be", "may potentially be", or "could reasonably be". The choice depends on the degree of possibility you want to convey.

Is it better to use "might conceivably be" or "could conceivably be"?

Both "might conceivably be" and "could conceivably be" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they are largely interchangeable.

When is it inappropriate to use "might conceivably be"?

It's best to avoid "might conceivably be" when expressing a high degree of certainty or when the possibility is already well-established. In those cases, stronger and more direct language is more appropriate.