possibly sold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly sold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential sale of an item or property, indicating uncertainty about whether it has been sold or not. Example: "The painting is possibly sold, but the gallery has not confirmed the transaction yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That has prompted speculation that Société Générale could be broken up, and the investment banking arm possibly sold to another, potentially foreign, group.

The New York Times

Frieze organisers dubbed Tunga the "greatest living Brazilian artist" and he is expected to travel to Frieze London, which opens on 14 October to see one of his most iconic performances restaged and possibly sold.

Independent

The first aircraft carrier – the Queen Elizabeth – will be in service between 2016-19 as a helicopter carrier before it is mothballed, a state known as "extended readiness", and possibly sold off.

The Guardian

Additionally, it's depressing that Nigerians find ourselves at a time where we are simultaneously protesting hundreds of girls being possibly sold as brides by Boko Haram as we are calculating bride prices with an app.

The Guardian

Found during an archaeological dig on the rocky coast of north Devon, the discovery of the remains seemed to confirm that a boatload of slaves was shipwrecked off the British coast and the survivors possibly sold on.

The Guardian

Yahoo Widgets possibly sold off; it would seem to be a waste to kill them off.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Who could possibly sell so much?

The New York Times

They sounded the alarm last month about the company possibly selling on the cheap to Sprint.

The New York Times

Whether you could show and possibly sell it at Pace is another question.

The New York Times - Arts

"If not, then we look" at possibly selling Tévez in January, during the Premier League's transfer window.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition to possibly selling a network in the Rainbow group, the company could sell some of its ancillary operations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about business or finance, consider using "potentially sold" for a slightly stronger implication of a likely sale.

Common error

Avoid using "possibly sold" if you have definite confirmation that the item has been sold. Instead, use phrases like "has been sold" or "was sold" to convey certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly sold" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of uncertainty regarding whether something has been sold. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For instance, "The shares are possibly sold to Time Warner."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possibly sold" is a grammatically correct construction used to express uncertainty about whether an item or entity has been sold. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily in news and media, and formal business contexts. It is advisable to use alternative phrases like "potentially sold" or "may be sold" to express similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Ensure correct usage by not using it when a sale is confirmed, and by understanding the context of uncertainty. Common errors include using "possibly sold" when certainty exists. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use the phrase to convey the intended level of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially sold

Emphasizes the possibility of a sale occurring, similar to "possibly sold" but with a slightly stronger implication.

may be sold

Indicates a chance or likelihood of being sold, using a more formal tone.

could be sold

Suggests a possibility of sale, often depending on certain conditions.

might be sold

Similar to "could be sold", indicating a possibility but with a slightly lower probability.

conceivably sold

Implies that a sale is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps not highly probable.

perhaps sold

A more direct and simple way to express the possibility of a sale.

reportedly sold

Indicates that information about the sale comes from reports, suggesting it might be true.

allegedly sold

Suggests that the sale is claimed to have happened, but without proof.

rumored to be sold

Indicates that the sale is a rumor and may not be true.

on the verge of being sold

Expresses the sale is very likely to happen soon.

FAQs

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

You can use "possibly sold" to indicate uncertainty about whether an item or property has been sold. For instance, "The company is "possibly sold", but the details are still being finalized".

What's a good alternative to "possibly sold"?

Alternatives to "possibly sold" include "potentially sold", "may be sold", or "could be sold", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "possibly selling" instead of "possibly sold"?

Yes, "possibly selling" is also correct, but it indicates an ongoing action rather than a completed one. "Possibly selling" suggests the process of selling is underway, while "possibly sold" implies the transaction might be complete.

What is the difference between "possibly sold" and "definitely sold"?

"Possibly sold" indicates uncertainty about the sale, while "definitely sold" means the sale has been confirmed. Using the correct phrase depends on whether you have certain knowledge of the transaction.