possibly then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a potential outcome or conclusion that may follow from a previous statement or situation. Example: "If the weather improves, we could go for a hike, possibly then we can have a picnic as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Possibly then, it's simply a question of personal politics?

The Guardian - Books

Possibly, then, Madagascar was colonised by an errant slave ship.

The Economist

Possibly then a smaller-scale satire on the inside workings of a revered British cultural venue such as Covent Garden.

The Guardian - Music

We could possibly then assume that this may even make the idea of being in power unappealing to women.

The Guardian

Its dilemma is how to avoid spending so much of the oil and gas money that inflation gets going, possibly then killing off export industries.

The Economist

If he believes that about his lawyers, they said, "it could not possibly then be said that the defendant is competent to make a knowing and voluntary decision to waive the right to the assistance of counsel".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Possibly, but then its famous longueurs are integral to its excruciating charm.

The Guardian - Film

Beat Krasniqi, possibly Brähmer, then Hopkins, and Cleverly moves to another level.

The Guardian - Sport

Naturally, the banks wanted to borrow as much as they possibly could, then lend it out, earning nice profits.

The Guardian

If A, B, C are possibly zero, then cylinders, cones, planes, and elliptic or hyperbolic paraboloids may be produced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The idea is to move from the sauna to the steam, get as hot as you possibly can, then dive into the cold water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possibly then", ensure that the context clearly indicates the conditional nature of the statement. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the speculative aspect of the phrase.

Common error

While "possibly then" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive or uncertain. Consider using stronger alternatives like "therefore" or "consequently" to convey greater certainty, especially in formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly then" functions as an adverbial connector, indicating a potential consequence or a logical next step. Ludwig AI examples show it is used to introduce a speculative outcome based on a preceding condition or statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "possibly then" serves as an adverbial connector to indicate a potential consequence or logical next step, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and used in a variety of contexts, primarily within News & Media and Science. While acceptable, it is more informal than some alternatives and should be used judiciously in formal writing. Remember to clearly establish the conditional nature of statements involving this phrase to avoid ambiguity. According to Ludwig's analysis, while "possibly then" is quite common in written English, it is important to be aware of overusing it in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps subsequently

Emphasizes the sequence of events with 'subsequently' highlighting the temporal aspect more strongly than "then".

maybe afterwards

Uses 'afterwards' to specify that something happens at a later time, providing a clearer temporal marker.

conceivably later

Focuses on the possibility of something happening at a subsequent point in time, adding an element of uncertainty.

potentially following that

Highlights the potential for a subsequent event, making it more formal and explicit.

it's plausible next

Shifts focus to what is believable or likely to occur in the near future.

presumably after that

Indicates an assumption based on prior evidence, adding a layer of expectation.

it could be subsequent

Expresses the possibility of something occurring in the future with a more passive construction.

possibly in consequence

Directly links the potential outcome as a result or effect of a previous action.

that might come next

Implies a sequence of events where the future event is uncertain but anticipated.

it is imaginable going forward

Emphasizes the ability to envision a future scenario, adding a speculative aspect.

FAQs

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

"Possibly then" is used to suggest a potential consequence or outcome. For example: "If the negotiations are successful, possibly then we can expand our operations."

What are some alternatives to "possibly then"?

Alternatives include "perhaps then", "maybe then", or "potentially then", depending on the context.

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

"Possibly then" indicates a lower degree of certainty compared to "probably then". "Possibly" suggests something might happen, while "probably" suggests it's more likely.

When is it appropriate to use "possibly then" in writing?

Use "possibly then" when you want to express a potential outcome that is contingent on a previous condition. It's suitable for scenarios where the result is uncertain but plausible.