possibly be either

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly be either" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential options or outcomes that may exist in a given situation. Example: "The results of the experiment could possibly be either positive or negative, depending on the variables involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The fourth protein could possibly be either Not3p or Not5p based on sequence similarity search results, although the better scores and E-values obtained against Not3 proteins suggests it is more likely Not3p.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other ideas for fusion material testing have been considered, but they possibly are either not technologically feasible if fixed targets are considered or would require the results of a Li d,xn) facility to be reliably designed.

Nuclear Materials and Energy

Thus, assuming single isolated receptors for either subtype, BMP2 and GDF5 likely bind first to a type I receptor and subsequently recruit a second receptor (which possibly could be either subtype) into the membrane-anchored binary complex.

BMC Biology

More deep sleep may possibly be induced either by increased awake neuronal activity [38] or an absolute sleep deprivation [28].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Potentially the evaluation of HER4 expression, by which valuable additional prognostic or even predictive information might possibly be revealed either from immunohistochemistry or FISH even without differentiating between HER4 splice variants, could contribute to therapy decisions and/or optimisation in the future.

Breast Cancer Research

It's the night when every broadcaster sticks two fingers up to its audience, as if to say the only people who could possibly be watching must be either complete losers or too out of it to leave the house.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Only untoward medical occurrences that are considered to be either possibly, probably or definitely related to the trial drug will be reported as having a causal relationship.

BMC Psychiatry

The most common treatment-emergent AEs that were considered by investigators to be either possibly or probably related to liraglutide were gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, nausea, dyspepsia and constipation) and nervous system disorders (headache and dizziness), particularly during the first 4 weeks.

Diabetic Medicine

Amongst the reported AEs, 21 were considered to be either possibly or probably related to argatroban treatment (adverse drug reactions, ADRs) and they occurred in nine patients who exhibited at least one thrombotic or hemorrhagic factor (Table  2).

Critical Care

Kautilya, a statesman and scholar in ancient India, thought it impossible to tell, "just as fish moving under water cannot possibly be found out either as drinking or not drinking water".This would not satisfy Paul Wolfowitz, the World Bank's president, who is determined to fight corruption in borrowing countries.

The Economist

Plans call for these trains to possibly be extended to either Varhaug or Vigrestad.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "might be one of" or "could be one of" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "possibly be either" can sometimes sound less formal. In highly formal or scientific writing, prefer more precise language to specify likelihood or potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly be either" functions as a qualifier, indicating uncertainty or a choice between two options. It suggests that the subject has a potential to fall into one of two categories. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "possibly be either" is a grammatically correct way to express uncertainty or potential selection between two options. While Ludwig AI affirms its validity, it's more common in scientific, news, and general contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember that this phrase indicates a degree of uncertainty and should be used when you want to present multiple possibilities without committing to a definitive statement. The phrase can be used interchangebly with phrases like "could be one of" or "might be one of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be one of

Replaces "possibly be either" to emphasize the potential membership in a group or set of options.

might be one of

Similar to "could be one of", this alternative highlights the uncertainty of the selection.

may be one of

This expresses a similar sense of possibility and choice among multiple options.

potentially be one of

Adds emphasis on the potential nature of the selection.

is possibly one of

Directly indicates a possible inclusion within a defined set.

can be either

Highlights the ability to choose between two specified options.

could potentially be

This variant emphasizes both the possibility and potential nature of the state.

is possibly

A shorter alternative that emphasizes the uncertainty.

may potentially

Similar to “could potentially be”, this alternative highlights the possibility and potential nature.

might potentially be

This option combines both possibility and potential emphasizing the uncertainty.

FAQs

How to use "possibly be either" in a sentence?

Use "possibly be either" to indicate that something has a chance to be one of two options. For example, "The outcome could "possibly be either" a success or a failure.".

What can I say instead of "possibly be either"?

You can use alternatives like "might be one of", "could be one of", or "may be one of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "possibly be either" or "possibly be neither"?

"Possibly be either" indicates a choice between two options. The phrase "possibly be neither" suggests that none of the options are correct or applicable.

Is "possibly be either" formal or informal?

The phrase "possibly be either" is generally considered neutral but leans slightly toward informal. In very formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "could potentially be one of".