more than possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than possibly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a likelihood or probability that exceeds mere possibility, often in speculative contexts. Example: "The project could be more than possibly successful if we secure the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I think that they pointed to this series more than possibly we did.

The New York Times - Sports

But officials said such a review would do no more than possibly delay sanctions in certain areas.

The New York Times

No doubt about it, it was excellent that Channel 4 was able to broadcast it and draw attention to the Tsapanawas and Mashco-Piros - just two of more than possibly 100 indigenous groups or peoples in Brazil and Peru living in what the law in both countries calls "isolation" and who are among the most vulnerable indigenous peoples in the world.

The Guardian

By delaying the urgent need for attention for, effectively, two days, I had made the medics' eyes roll and their jobs considerably harder, messed my newspaper about, shocked a few friends and, probably the least of it, more than possibly set my recovery back.

The Guardian

So I have been baffled from Day One why Trump has the loyalty of so many people with whom he shares nothing more than (possibly) human DNA.

Huffington Post

Though it was not recorded on camera, what happened in Portland affected me more than possibly any other of the number of viral hate crime videos I've seen online.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

No amount of money that I donated to a non-profit was going to do anything more than- possibly - provide a bowl of rice somewhere, which is a lot like sticking a Band-Aid on an amputation.

Huffington Post

Their third son, Jeff, toasted them for "saving more lives than possibly any couple in the history of the world".

The New Yorker

"The show repeats more effectively than possibly any show in history, and it's easy to see why.

Independent

This year's deficit will be more than $100 billion, possibly more than $150 billion.

The New York Times

Mr. Black has more than freedom possibly awaiting him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than possibly" when you want to express that something is not just possible, but also likely to a significant degree. This phrase adds a nuanced level of probability beyond mere possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "more than possibly" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. If the outcome is highly probable, consider using phrases like "almost certainly" or "highly likely" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than possibly" functions as an intensifier or degree modifier. It suggests a likelihood that goes beyond a mere possibility, indicating a significant chance of something occurring. Ludwig shows that the expression is acceptable and can be used to add nuance to statements about likelihood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more than possibly" serves as a degree modifier, indicating a level of likelihood exceeding simple possibility. Ludwig's analysis finds the phrase grammatically correct and acceptable for use. Though not as common as alternatives like "more than likely", it adds a nuanced degree of probability, suitable for contexts where a higher degree of certainty isn't warranted. This expression is mostly used in the News & Media context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more likely than not

Replaces "possibly" with a stronger term indicating a higher probability.

quite possibly

Uses "quite" to intensify the possibility, creating a slightly different nuance.

potentially more than

Shifts the focus to potential, highlighting the possibility of exceeding a certain limit.

perhaps even more than

Introduces a sense of uncertainty with "perhaps" while suggesting a greater extent.

exceedingly probable

Replaces "more than possibly" with more formal and emphatic wording.

to a greater extent than perhaps

Adds a layer of doubt with "perhaps" to temper the comparison.

even more so

Concise phrase emphasizing a higher degree without explicitly stating what is possible.

more so than is conceivable

Highlights the extent beyond what might be readily imagined.

more than one could imagine

Emphasizes the comparison by referencing the limits of imagination.

highly probable

Indicates a high likelihood, changing the emphasis from possibility to probability.

FAQs

How can I use "more than possibly" in a sentence?

You can use "more than possibly" to express that something is not just a possibility but also has a good chance of happening, such as, "The project could be "more than possibly" successful if we secure the necessary funding."

What are some alternatives to "more than possibly"?

Alternatives include "more than likely", "quite possibly", or "potentially more than" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "more than possibly"?

While it might seem redundant, "more than possibly" emphasizes a degree of likelihood exceeding simple possibility. It suggests that the outcome is not just conceivable but also reasonably probable.

Which is correct, "more than possibly" or "more than probable"?

"More than possibly" and "more than probable" convey different nuances. "More than possibly" implies exceeding a basic level of possibility, while "more than probable" suggests a very high likelihood. Choose based on the intended degree of certainty.