possibly possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly possible" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express uncertainty about the feasibility or likelihood of something being possible. Example: "While the project seems ambitious, it is possibly possible to achieve our goals within the given timeframe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the idea that, as regards the type of metaphysical possibility that is involved in puzzles such as that of the bicycle, there might be states of affairs that are possibly possible and yet not possible (and hence that de re metaphysical possibility and necessity do not obey the system of modal logic known as S4) is regarded with suspicion by many philosophers.

SEP

We shall end by considering the question whether possibly possible objects are possible objects.

SEP

That whatever is possibly possible is possible (or in other words that whatever is necessary is necessarily necessary) is the characteristic axiom schema of S4 modal logic.

SEP

Let w2 be a particular possibly possible world one as like w1 and the actual world as is compatible with the difference specified in which a was originally made from m2.

SEP

If the relation of being possible relative to is transitive, that is, if whatever is possibly possible is also possible, then wn is possible relative to the actual world, which is just to say that a could have been originally made from mn.

SEP

From the standpoint of w1, such an original composition for the bicycle is only possibly possible: something that would have been possible, had things been different in some possible way, but is not, as things are, possible (Chandler 1976; Salmon 1979; Salmon 1982, 238 40).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Techniques of formal logic (also called symbolic logic) were developed for a very large class of arguments involving words such as and, or, not, some, all, and, in modal logic, possibly (or possible) and necessarily (or necessary).

Encyclopedia Britannica

We have now that x 3 is possibly a possible expensive house, because x 3 is similar to x 5 according to the relation S Σ, i.e., x 3 has less features of expensive houses than x 5. We will show in the sequel another example related with query refinement but now using query restriction: suppose that we want to know which houses in the ABox have medium value.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Is it possible, with possibly less total resource and possibly less political interest?

The Guardian - Sport

And with injuries piling up for Klinsmann, this is possibly the worst possible moment for a "state of the reign" conversation to be taking place.

The Guardian - Sport

As far as he sees it, Occipital can't possibly build every possible augmented reality game or measuring app on its own.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possibly possible" to express a nuanced degree of uncertainty, acknowledging a remote chance of something being achievable, especially when the concept might seem contradictory or highly improbable at first glance.

Common error

Avoid using "possibly possible" excessively in formal writing; consider more concise alternatives like "potentially feasible" or rephrase for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly possible" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective 'possible'. It adds emphasis to a slight chance or potential, suggesting a scenario that might seem unlikely but isn't entirely ruled out. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "possibly possible" is grammatically sound and serves to express a low degree of certainty or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its valid use in written English. While the phrase is found across various contexts, including science and news, its usage is relatively uncommon. The redundancy inherent in the phrase makes it more suited for informal or emphatic situations, but less ideal for concise, formal writing. When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "potentially feasible" or "maybe achievable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially feasible

Emphasizes the inherent capability of something to be realized, with a focus on practicality.

maybe achievable

Conveys a sense of doubt or slight optimism regarding the prospect of reaching a desired outcome.

conceivably attainable

Highlights the imaginability of reaching a goal, though it may not be very probable.

theoretically viable

Focuses on the potential of something to work in principle, even if it's not practically tested.

imaginably realistic

Stresses that something can be conceived as mirroring reality, without guaranteeing its actual existence.

feasibly credible

Underlines the possibility of something to be both achievable and convincing.

arguably plausible

Indicates that there's a case to be made for something's possibility or validity, inviting scrutiny.

ostensibly workable

Suggests that something appears to be feasible at first glance, but its actual viability remains uncertain.

seemingly reachable

Indicates that something appears to be accessible, though its true availability might be in question.

hypothetically actualizable

Refers to the chance that something can be made real under certain hypothetical conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "possibly possible" when you want to express that something has a slight chance of being possible, even if it seems unlikely. For instance, "While the project seems difficult, it is "possibly possible" to achieve our goals."

What are some alternatives to "possibly possible"?

You can use alternatives like "potentially feasible", "maybe achievable", or "conceivably attainable" depending on the context.

Is "possibly possible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "possibly possible" is grammatically correct, though it might sound somewhat redundant. It's used to emphasize the slight possibility of something happening.

When should I avoid using "possibly possible"?

Avoid using "possibly possible" in very formal or academic writing where conciseness is valued. Opt for stronger or more direct phrasing unless you specifically want to emphasize a remote possibility.