possibly can

USAGE SUMMARY

"possibly can" is a valid phrase and used commonly in written English.
This phrase is used to express possibility and implies that what is being discussed may or may not be true. Example: I possibly can attend the conference, but I'll need to check my work schedule first.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are we doing everything we possibly can?

The New York Times

Some funniness possibly can be taught, though.

Princeton University

Everywhere they possibly can, people are dancing.

The Guardian - Music

He does the best he possibly can.

The New York Times - Sports

Be as literal as you possibly can.

The Guardian - Tech

A. Sell, if you possibly can.

The New York Times

Use unwaxed fruit, if you possibly can.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are doing everything we possibly can".

The Guardian - Film

Then #GiveItBack if you possibly can.

The New York Times

We've taken every precaution we possibly can.

The New York Times - Sports

Be as fit as you possibly can be, as well as you possibly can be".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possibly can" to express uncertainty or a conditional ability. Avoid using it when certainty is required.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "possibly can" might sound less formal than alternatives like "it is potentially possible" in highly professional writing. Consider the tone of your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly can" functions as an adverbial modifier combined with an auxiliary verb. It indicates a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding an action or state. As Ludwig AI states, this expression suggests something may or may not be true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possibly can" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express uncertainty or potential ability. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates that something may or may not be true. It finds frequent use in news and media, academic writing, and general communication, though more formal contexts may benefit from stronger alternatives. Remember, when expressing uncertainty, "possibly can" is a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceivably can

This alternative emphasizes the potential for something to be imagined or thought of.

perhaps can

This option uses "perhaps" to indicate uncertainty or doubt about the ability to do something.

potentially can

The phrase highlights the inherent possibility or capacity for something to happen or be done.

presumably can

Suggests an assumption or belief that something is likely, based on some evidence or reasoning.

arguably can

Indicates that there's a reasonable basis for arguing that something is possible or feasible.

maybe can

A more informal way to express uncertainty or a slight possibility.

it is possible to

Emphasizes the possibility of an action or event.

likely can

Indicates a higher probability of being able to do something.

might be able to

Suggests a lower degree of certainty than "possibly can".

could potentially

Combines possibility with potential, adding a layer of emphasis.

FAQs

How to use "possibly can" in a sentence?

You can use "possibly can" to express that something is feasible but not certain. For example, "I "possibly can" attend the meeting, but I need to check my schedule first."

What can I say instead of "possibly can"?

You can use alternatives like "perhaps can", "potentially can", or "it is possible to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "possibly can" or "can possibly"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "possibly can" is more common. The emphasis slightly shifts depending on the word order, with "possibly can" focusing on the possibility, and "can possibly" focusing on the ability.

What's the difference between "possibly can" and "probably can"?

"Possibly can" suggests a chance or potential, while "probably can" implies a higher likelihood or expectation. The degree of certainty is higher with "probably can".