rather possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather possible" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward to native speakers.
It can be used to express a degree of possibility, but it is better to use it in contexts where you want to indicate that something is somewhat likely or feasible. Example: "While the project has its challenges, it is rather possible that we can complete it ahead of schedule."

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

While all eyes were fixed on Santana and how he would react following his historic night, Kuroda looked so dominant that another no-hitter seemed rather possible, even if he still had a long way to go.

The New York Times - Sports

To the recruits, ownership rarely means control (since they have minority stakes) but rather, possible wealth.

TechCrunch

Moreover, by comparing perceived factors with preferred factors, it is rather possible to see how respondents receive what they want.

European Transport Research Review

While most cDNAs were spliced at one site, it is clear that the trans-splicing site is not an exact AG acceptor, but is rather possible at two or more sites per cluster (Figure 7).

Plosone

It is rather possible that the operational procedure for colorectal cancer, according to local standards, does not cause significant bacteremia.

Disease Markers

Also, it is not access to a 'treatment' that is at stake but rather possible access to a possible treatment – a much attenuated 'benefit'benefit

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Or rather, one possible future.

The New York Times

jurist, writer, and Muslim leader who favoured British rule in India rather than possible Hindu domination of an independent India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

SITE's detractors have also questioned the quality, or, rather, the possible slant, of SITE's translations — an especially troubling issue given the shortage of alternatives.

The New Yorker

The report criticised a community paediatrician who saw Daniel a month before he was murdered for putting his weight loss down to worms rather than possible child abuse.

The Guardian

In any event it worked like a charm in Greece, repelling not Communist invader but, rather, making possible a home-grown putsch by a clique of military officers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "rather possible" if you want to emphasize a degree of likelihood, but be aware that more common alternatives might be preferred in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "rather possible" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less sophisticated than more direct alternatives like "likely" or "feasible".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather possible" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying the degree of possibility. As Ludwig AI notes, while acceptable, it is not always the most common or stylistically preferred option.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather possible" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to express a moderate degree of possibility. While correct, Ludwig AI suggests that it's not always the most stylistically preferred choice, especially in formal contexts. It is commonly found in scientific and news-related content. Consider alternatives like "quite possible" or "fairly likely" for improved clarity and conciseness. When writing, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone you wish to convey when choosing between "rather possible" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite possible

Indicates a slightly stronger degree of possibility compared to "rather possible".

fairly possible

Similar in meaning to "rather possible", suggesting a moderate level of possibility.

reasonably possible

Suggests that something is possible within reasonable expectations or conditions.

somewhat possible

Implies a lower degree of possibility, indicating it's possible but not highly probable.

conceivably possible

Highlights that something can be imagined or conceived as possible, even if unlikely.

potentially possible

Focuses on the potential for something to be possible in the future.

not entirely impossible

Emphasizes that something is not completely out of the question, implying a slight chance.

within the realm of possibility

Indicates that something falls within the scope of what is possible.

just possible

Implies that something is barely possible or has a slim chance of occurring.

remotely possible

Suggests a very slight or distant possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather possible" to express that something is somewhat likely, as in "It is "rather possible" that the project will be completed on time".

What are some alternatives to "rather possible"?

Alternatives include "quite possible", "fairly likely", or "reasonably possible", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "rather possible" grammatically correct?

Yes, "rather possible" is grammatically correct, although it's not the most common or stylistically preferred choice in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "rather possible" over more common alternatives?

Use "rather possible" when you want to convey a specific degree of possibility that falls between 'possible' and 'probable', but be mindful of the context and audience. More common alternatives might be a better choice for clarity and impact.