quite possibly a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite possibly a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a degree of uncertainty or speculation about something being a certain way. Example: "This could quite possibly be a turning point in the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And quite possibly a lot more weapons.

The New York Times

Quite possibly a crime was committed.

The New York Times

Quite possibly a much more severe problem than anyone suspected.

The New Yorker

Quite possibly a Bacon fan with some spare cash.

The Guardian - Arts

Quite possibly a case of death on the high C's.

The New York Times

Bid adieu to Bordeaux, but also, quite possibly, a hello to Chateau Yellowstone.

The Guardian

It is also, quite possibly, a send-up of the taxidermy trend in contemporary sculpture.

The Guardian - Arts

One day it will doubtless grow into a solid citizen, quite possibly a person of substance.

The Economist

This was the lowest of all blows, and quite possibly a serious tactical error.

The New Yorker

Longevity is rising fast, quite possibly a lot faster than most forecasts.

The Economist

Remember: A little boy is becoming a man — and a girl, quite possibly, a hussy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite possibly a" to introduce a statement of possibility, especially when you want to convey a sense of informed speculation based on available information.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "quite possibly a" can make your writing sound less authoritative. In very formal or academic writing, consider using more precise language to express probability.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of the phrase "quite possibly a" is to serve as an adverbial phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It indicates a degree of uncertainty or possibility regarding the nature or characteristic of the noun it modifies. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science & Research

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite possibly a" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a statement of possibility or speculation. Ludwig's examples indicate that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for general use, it may be prudent to choose more precise language in highly formal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates a degree of uncertainty while maintaining a neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly a

A shorter alternative that keeps the core meaning of uncertainty

perhaps a

Offers a more direct and simple way to express possibility.

maybe a

Another direct synonym, indicating a degree of uncertainty.

quite likely a

Replaces "possibly" with "likely", suggesting a higher degree of probability.

very possibly a

Emphasizes the possibility with the addition of "very".

potentially a

Indicates that something has the capacity to develop into the specified thing.

conceivably a

Suggests something is within the realm of possibility or imagination.

arguably a

Introduces the idea that something can be argued as being true, but it's not a definitive statement.

it's quite possible that it is a

Rephrases it as an entire sentence using "it's possible"

it is plausible that it is a

Rephrases it as an entire sentence using "plausible"

FAQs

How to use "quite possibly a" in a sentence?

Use "quite possibly a" to introduce a possibility or speculation. For instance, "That could "quite possibly be a" solution to the problem".

What can I say instead of "quite possibly a"?

You can use alternatives like "perhaps a", "maybe a", or "possibly a" depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is "quite possibly a" formal or informal?

"Quite possibly a" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for news articles and general writing, but might be too informal for strict academic papers.

What's the difference between "quite possibly a" and "probably a"?

"Quite possibly a" suggests a slightly lower degree of certainty than "probably a". "Probably" indicates a higher likelihood, while "quite possibly" leaves more room for doubt.