one might imagine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one might imagine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a hypothetical scenario or to introduce a thought or idea that is not necessarily based on fact. Example: "In a world where technology advances at an unprecedented rate, one might imagine the possibilities for human enhancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they agree on the issues one might imagine.

The New York Times

One might imagine introducing various bracket operations on (mathsf {T}(mathfrak {g})) and/or (mathsf {U}(mathfrak {g})).

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

While in rehabilitation, as one might imagine, his UNICEF attendants had much on their plates.

HuffPost

On the other hand, an accidental intrusion isn't the horror one might imagine.

Forbes

The discussion, as one might imagine, escalated.

The New York Times

This has been less unsuccessful than one might imagine.

The Economist

Expanding insurance is a weighty undertaking, as one might imagine.

The Economist

Security, as one might imagine, is a major issue.

The New Yorker

One might imagine we would be less tongue-tied.

The New York Times

Massages cost, as one might imagine, significantly more.

The New York Times - Travel

This is a more common phenomenon than one might imagine.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one might imagine" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or a logical consequence of a given situation. It adds a layer of thoughtfulness and invites the reader to consider possibilities.

Common error

While "one might imagine" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less assertive. Opt for more direct statements when expressing certainty or presenting well-supported arguments.

Linguistic Context

One might imagine functions as an introductory phrase to present a hypothetical scenario or a speculative thought. As evidenced by Ludwig, it serves to gently introduce ideas that are not presented as definitive facts, but rather as possibilities for consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one might imagine" is a versatile phrase used to introduce hypothetical scenarios or speculative ideas. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across a wide range of contexts, including news, science, and academia. While effective for softening the tone and inviting consideration, be mindful of overusing it, especially in formal writing, where more direct statements might be preferable. Explore alternative phrases like "it is conceivable that" or "it is plausible that" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is conceivable that

Emphasizes the possibility or likelihood of something.

it is plausible that

Highlights the credibility or believability of a scenario.

one could surmise

Suggests drawing a conclusion based on limited evidence.

it stands to reason that

Implies a logical or rational expectation.

one can speculate

Focuses on forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

it is reasonable to assume

Highlights the justification for making an assumption.

one might suppose

Indicates a tentative or provisional belief.

it could be inferred

Stresses the process of deducing something from evidence.

one may deduce

Focuses on reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.

it is imaginable that

Emphasizes the capacity to form a mental image or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "one might imagine" in a sentence?

Use "one might imagine" to introduce a hypothetical scenario, a possible outcome, or a somewhat speculative idea. For example, "Given the circumstances, "one might imagine" a different outcome."

What phrases are similar to "one might imagine"?

Alternatives include "it is conceivable that", "it is plausible that", or "one could surmise". Choose the best fit based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "one might imagine" or "it is easy to imagine"?

"One might imagine" suggests a more thoughtful consideration, while "it is easy to imagine" implies obviousness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize reasoned speculation or a clear, straightforward possibility.

Can "one might imagine" be used in formal academic writing?

Yes, but sparingly. While grammatically correct, excessive use can reduce the impact of your arguments. Use stronger, more direct statements when appropriate, or consider alternatives such as "it stands to reason that".