reasonably possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonably possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is achievable, but not necessarily certain. For example, "He hoped that finding a cure for cancer was still reasonably possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Buildings will be opened as soon as reasonably possible".

Independent

First, the 86 cleared detainees should be transferred out as soon as reasonably possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

We hope the CPS makes a decision to charge as soon as is reasonably possible.

The Guardian

A serious enforcement body should randomly check the houses as often as is reasonably possible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Where reasonably possible they should be made fully responsible for recycling their packaging and products.

The Economist

We have our own procedures in place to identify such situations, to the extent it is reasonably possible.

The Guardian

This has not happened since the B.C.S. was formed in 1998, nor was it reasonably possible before then.

The New York Times - Sports

He said: "My efforts ('heritage') were decriminalisation and equality (in sexual offences, for example), as near as reasonably possible.

The Guardian

In March, it disclosed that it had classified $23.4 billion of airline pension obligations as "reasonably possible" to default.

The New York Times

It's broken up, and again the Bosnians look to find Dzeko as soon as is reasonably possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Religious preferences must yield when there is a compelling government interest and where accommodation is not reasonably possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonably possible", ensure the context clearly defines what constraints or factors make the outcome "possible". This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonably possible" when the outcome is highly probable or virtually certain. Use stronger terms to reflect that higher degree of certainty, such as "highly likely" or "almost guaranteed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonably possible" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies an adjective or verb, indicating the degree to which something is achievable or feasible. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes something achievable, but not necessarily certain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonably possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that qualifies the possibility of an event or action. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for describing something achievable but not definite. It appears across a variety of contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral register. The phrase implies that outcomes are conditional rather than guaranteed. To ensure clarity, define the contextual factors to make the outcome possible to avoid ambiguity. When an outcome is highly probable, use stronger, more suitable alternatives, like "highly likely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

realistically achievable

Emphasizes the practical aspects and feasibility of achieving something.

practically attainable

Highlights the realistic chances of attaining a specific goal or outcome.

feasibly viable

Focuses on the workability and sustainability of a potential plan or option.

within the realm of possibility

Suggests that something is not certain but still conceivable.

conceivably attainable

Stresses the potential for something to be reached or achieved.

potentially within reach

Implies that something may be achievable with the right effort or conditions.

achievable under the circumstances

Highlights the importance of specific conditions that need to be met.

attainable with effort

Emphasizes that achieving the outcome will require dedicated effort.

likely to happen

Indicates a strong probability of something occurring.

probably feasible

Combines the likelihood and practicality of a particular course of action.

FAQs

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

Use "reasonably possible" to describe a situation where an outcome is achievable but not guaranteed. For instance, "It is "reasonably possible" that we will meet the deadline, provided we receive the necessary resources."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "reasonably possible"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "realistically achievable", "practically attainable", or "within the realm of possibility".

Is there a difference between "reasonably possible" and "certain"?

"Reasonably possible" implies that something can happen under certain conditions, whereas "certain" means it will definitely happen. "Reasonably possible" acknowledges a degree of uncertainty.

When is it more appropriate to use "reasonably possible" instead of "likely"?

"Reasonably possible" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that the event's occurrence depends on specific circumstances or efforts. "Likely" suggests a higher probability without necessarily implying conditional factors.