possibly is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or speculation about a situation or condition. Example: "The solution to the problem possibly is more complex than we initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The money possibly is there, but do they ever reach that possibility?

Vice

A possible explanation in this study is that the TCM5 function possibly is not prerequisite under lower temperatures, but is essential under higher temperatures for chloroplast development.

Rice

But that, possibly, is missing the point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Somewhere in that spectrum, quite possibly, is something you'll like.

The New York Times - Arts

His language was German, and that, possibly, is the point.

The New Yorker

This, possibly, is the moment when the Avengers realise that Ultron has gone all loopy.

The Guardian - Film

One secret to his success possibly is that his even-keel nature isn't an act.

The New York Times

As a striker, he quite possibly is, as his hat-trick against Bayern demonstrated.

The Guardian - Sport

Another, possibly, is that they tend not to be the laugh-out-loud funniest cartoons.

The New Yorker

"Arsene Wenger possibly is in a position to close the gap this year," he says.

Independent

He was immediately certified Highly Proficient and is Dirksen-bound, which, possibly, is another reason everybody hates him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To make the phrase more impactful, consider replacing it with stronger alternatives such as 'certainly is' or 'definitely is', whenever appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "possibly is" excessively in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected. Instead, opt for alternatives that offer a clearer indication of probability or certainty based on evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly is" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb. It expresses a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding a statement or condition, similar to alternatives like "might be" or "could be", as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possibly is" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or speculation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While common, it's essential to use it judiciously, especially in formal writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider alternative phrases like "might be" or "could be" to refine the nuance of your writing. The phrase is very common according to Ludwig with 59 examples founded.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps is

A direct synonym expressing uncertainty or doubt.

might be

Expresses a lower degree of certainty compared to "possibly is".

could be

Similar to "might be", suggesting a possibility but not a certainty.

may be

Indicates a possibility, often used in more formal contexts.

conceivably is

Highlights the capacity to be imagined or believed.

potentially is

Focuses on the inherent possibility or capacity for something to occur.

it is plausible that

A more formal alternative suggesting a reasonable possibility.

it is conceivable that

Similar to "conceivably is" but with a different structure.

it is a possibility that

Focuses on the existence of a chance or prospect.

it's not out of the question that

Suggests that something is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

FAQs

What does "possibly is" mean?

The phrase "possibly is" indicates that something is a potential or uncertain truth. It suggests a degree of doubt or speculation about a given situation or condition.

How can I use "possibly is" in a sentence?

You can use "possibly is" to express uncertainty. For example, "The delay possibly is due to unforeseen circumstances" indicates that the reason for the delay is speculative.

Which phrases are similar to "possibly is"?

Alternatives to "possibly is" include "might be", "could be", or "may be". The choice depends on the level of formality and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "possibly is" and "probably is"?

"Possibly is" suggests a lower degree of certainty than "probably is". "Possibly" indicates a chance or potential, while "probably" suggests a higher likelihood based on available evidence.