possibly to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a potential or uncertain action. For example: - She was possibly going to the store. - He couldn't possibly finish the project on time. - It is not possibly to know for sure what will happen next. - Possibly to your surprise, the cake turned out perfectly. - The meeting may be moved, possibly to a different location.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Possibly to my cost".

The Guardian

Possibly, to him, it is fun.

The Guardian

Now he tests that – possibly to destruction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Possibly to swim, as per @discoverusauk's instruction.

The Guardian - Travel

A strapping young man walked in, possibly to enlist.

The New York Times

Gizmo possibly to be called The Brain Drainer.

The Guardian - Books

But he was summoned to Paris possibly to face execution.

The New York Times - Books

He sent colonists to Illyria and possibly to northeast Italy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From December 2011, the Nigerian police began to detain the wives and children of militants leaders – possibly to put pressure on the group, possibly to bring about negotiations.

The Guardian

This claim is about to be tested, possibly to breaking point.

The Guardian - Business

They include plans to reach out to immigrant groups and possibly to close parishes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possibly to", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates the action or state being considered as potential. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "possibly to" when describing actions that are certain or have already occurred. This creates a contradiction and weakens the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly to" typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a potential or uncertain action. It adds a layer of contingency to the statement, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples and AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "possibly to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to express a potential or uncertain action. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, adding a layer of speculation. Its register is generally neutral, fitting well in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "potentially to" or "perhaps to" exist, "possibly to" offers a clear and concise way to convey uncertainty. It is most often seen in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially to

Expresses a similar degree of likelihood, but focuses more on inherent possibility.

conceivably to

Indicates something is imaginable or believable, rather than necessarily probable.

perhaps to

A more direct synonym, suggesting uncertainty about a future action or state.

maybe to

A simpler and more informal way to express possibility.

arguably to

Suggests that there's a valid argument to be made, not just a possibility.

presumably to

Implies an assumption based on some evidence, but without certainty.

ostensibly to

Indicates a stated or apparent reason, which might not be the real one.

theoretically to

Highlights the possibility in an academic or hypothetical sense.

imaginably to

Emphasizes the capacity to imagine something happening, rather than its likelihood.

it's not out of the question to

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

FAQs

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

Use "possibly to" to indicate a potential or uncertain action, such as, "She went to the store, "possibly to" buy milk".

What are some alternatives to "possibly to"?

Alternatives include "potentially to", "perhaps to", or "maybe to", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "probable to" instead of "possibly to"?

While "probable" and "possible" are related, "probable to" is not a standard or commonly used phrase. It's better to use "likely to" or "probably" instead. For example: "It is "likely to" rain".

What's the difference between "possibly to" and "potentially to"?

"Possibly to" suggests a general uncertainty, whereas "potentially to" emphasizes that something has the capacity or ability to happen. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting uncertainty or inherent capability. For example: "The company will expand, "possibly to" new markets" suggests uncertainty, while "The company will expand, "potentially to" dominate the industry" implies capability.