not only possible

USAGE SUMMARY

'not only possible' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is not just possible, but more than expected. For example: "With the help of modern technology, the task is not only possible, but much easier than anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To feel, not only possible, but inevitable.

The Guardian

In fact, it is not only possible; it is fun.

The New Yorker

Amazingly, such an experiment is not only possible, but practical.

The Guardian

That's not only possible, it's essential and long overdue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Treatment is not only possible, it is imperative.

The New York Times

It is imPlatonic to dislike "When Harry Met Sally," but one of its central messages is wrong.

The New Yorker

This year, change seems not only possible but imminent.

The Washington Post

My vision is it's not only possible - it's necessary.

The Guardian

Vegan meringues were not only possible, but a cinch.

The New York Times - Food

"It's not only possible, it's absolutely necessary," he added.

The New York Times

It all seemed not only possible, but fantastically so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only possible", consider adding a "but also" clause to further emphasize the positive aspects or additional benefits. For example, "It's not only possible, but also beneficial."

Common error

Avoid using "not only possible" without completing the thought with a "but also" clause. Leaving it incomplete weakens the emphasis and can make the sentence sound unfinished or awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only possible" functions as an adjective phrase, often used to emphasize the feasibility and likelihood of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s frequently paired with a "but also" clause to further highlight additional benefits or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not only possible" is a versatile and frequently used expression to emphasize the attainability and likelihood of an event or goal. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its purpose is to inspire confidence, as it suggests that something is more than just conceivable; it is also practical and desirable. The frequency of "not only possible" in news and media, coupled with its presence in academic and scientific sources, indicates its widespread acceptance across both formal and informal registers. To maximize its impact, it is advisable to complete the thought with a "but also" clause to further underscore the positive aspects or additional benefits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than just a possibility

Expresses a likelihood beyond mere possibility.

definitely feasible

Underscores the practicality and viability of a plan or idea.

eminently achievable

Focuses on the achievability aspect, implying success is very likely.

assuredly viable

Stresses the certainty of a project or concept being capable of success.

easily within reach

Emphasizes the accessibility and nearness of a goal or outcome.

readily attainable

Highlights the ease with which something can be obtained or achieved.

well within the realm of possibility

A longer alternative that re-emphasizes feasibility in consideration of circumstances and context.

highly probable

Shifts focus to the likelihood of an event occurring.

almost certain

Indicates a very high degree of confidence in a future outcome.

virtually guaranteed

Implies an outcome is so likely it is practically unavoidable.

FAQs

How can I use "not only possible" in a sentence?

Use "not only possible" to express that something is more than just conceivable; it's also probable or advantageous. For example, "Achieving our goals is "not only possible", but also essential for our future."

What phrases are similar to "not only possible"?

Similar phrases include "eminently achievable", "definitely feasible", or "highly probable", which all convey a sense of feasibility and likelihood.

Is it correct to say "not only possible, but likely"?

Yes, "not only possible, but likely" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction. It emphasizes that something is not just conceivable but also has a good chance of happening.

What's the difference between "not only possible" and "possible"?

"Possible" simply means something can happen, while "not only possible" implies that it is more than just conceivable; it is also probable, desirable, or even already happening, adding emphasis to its attainability or likelihood.