or possibly more

USAGE SUMMARY

"or possibly more" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are making a statement and want to include the possibility that the statement could be even more true than stated. For example: "This event draws hundreds of people every year, or possibly more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Albright said the injury could keep Recker out for as little as six weeks or possibly more.

The New York Times - Sports

His objective is to maximize the possible returns from devoting his time to working at one or possibly more than two alternatives under time constraints.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

The Kindle, of course, can make things much simpler – or possibly more complicated.

The Guardian - Books

The questioning would last as long as the drug was effective: eight hours, or possibly more.

The New Yorker

I shot two or possibly more times, and watched him collapse.

The New Yorker

Mr Kerry plans to spend all, or possibly more than all, the difference on health care.

The Economist

CAYUGA FLORA (1926) NOTES: Boggy meadows and swales, in neutral or possibly more or less calcareous regions; frequent.

Cornell University

Mueller could issue new and damning findings about Trump himself or possibly more indictments of his cronies.

The Washington Post

With higher federal revenues, there would less federal debt, lower federal taxes, or possibly more spending on climate adaptation.

The Washington Post

Our data suggest that CTLA-4 is a suitable human scaffold for engineering single-domain molecules with one or possibly more binding specificities.

FEBS Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now it read, "The professor doesn't become a woman --or possibly, more subversively, "The professor ain't no lady".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "or possibly more", ensure the initial statement provides a clear baseline for the potential increase. The phrase works best when it builds upon a specific quantity or quality.

Common error

Avoid using "or possibly more" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound hesitant or indecisive. Vary your language to maintain clarity and confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or possibly more" functions as a conjunctive phrase, specifically used to introduce an element of uncertainty or to suggest that the preceding statement might be an understatement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "or possibly more" is a grammatically sound and usable expression used to introduce uncertainty or potential increase to a statement. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for indicating that the preceding amount or degree might be an understatement. While commonly found in News & Media, and Science contexts, its usage can extend to more formal settings, although it might be prudent to consider more precise alternatives when formality is paramount. Remember to use it sparingly and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or perhaps even more

Adds a slightly stronger emphasis on the possibility of exceeding the initial statement.

or it could be even more

More explicitly presents an alternative, increased possibility.

or even exceeding that

Directly indicates that the actual amount or value may surpass the mentioned one.

or maybe even greater

Focuses on a potentially larger magnitude or degree.

or there might be more

Suggests the existence of additional items or factors not initially considered.

or further surpassing that

Highlights the idea of greatly exceeding what was initially mentioned.

or to an even greater extent

Emphasizes the possibility of a much larger degree or impact.

or conceivably higher

Suggests a possibility that the actual value could be elevated.

or potentially larger

Emphasizes the potential for something to be bigger in size or scope.

or at a maximum more

Indicates a potential upper limit beyond the initial estimation.

FAQs

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

Use "or possibly more" to indicate that a stated amount, number, or degree might be an underestimate. For example, "The project will take five weeks, or possibly more, depending on weather conditions."

What's a good alternative to "or possibly more"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "or perhaps even more", "or maybe even greater", or simply "or more".

Is it always necessary to include "possibly" in "or possibly more"?

No, the word "possibly" is not always necessary. Using "or more" is often sufficient and can make your writing more concise. The inclusion of "possibly" adds a slight emphasis on uncertainty.

Can "or possibly more" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "or possibly more" can be used in formal writing, but use it sparingly. In very formal contexts, consider more precise language or stronger alternatives to avoid sounding vague or uncertain.