scarcely conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcely conceivable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to imagine or believe due to its improbability. Example: "The idea that we could travel to another galaxy within our lifetime seems scarcely conceivable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Off the field, things are even more dire, with the scarcely conceivable – albeit unlikely – notion they could bow out of the Football League a very real possibility.

The Guardian - Sport

He is poised for yet another scarcely conceivable feat — his next score of 100 or more in international cricket will be his 100th in all formats.

The New York Times - Sports

That historians and sociologists, for example, might ever work together in curricula and research projects would have been scarcely conceivable prior to about 1945.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the mid-1980s, the British soap tackled social issues – racism, sexism, industrial collapse, class politics, HIV, violence against women, child abuse, cot death, Down's syndrome – in ways scarcely conceivable across the Atlantic.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Tobacco, sugar, coffee, vegetables, fruits must be grown for export where lately subsistence holdings provided families with the kind of freedom now scarcely conceivable in the world - the freedom to grow their own food, untouched by market dependency.

The Guardian

It is a larger one than it looks, since it is scarcely conceivable that batka (father) does not imagine for himself some greater destiny than running pocket-sized Belarus.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Hardly seems conceivable, but.

The New York Times

It's conceivable.

The New York Times

It seemed almost conceivable.

The New York Times

Conceivable and exceedingly unlikely.

The Economist

Is this conceivable?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scarcely conceivable" when you want to express that something is highly improbable, almost to the point of being unbelievable. It adds a touch of formality and emphasis to your writing.

Common error

While "scarcely conceivable" is grammatically sound, avoid using it in very casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "hard to believe" or "unimaginable" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely conceivable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that is difficult to imagine or believe. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts to emphasize the improbability of a situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarcely conceivable" is a grammatically correct and usable adjective phrase that signifies something is highly improbable or difficult to believe. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts but is most common in news and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal writing and should be replaced with simpler alternatives in casual conversations. The related phrases offer various ways to express similar levels of disbelief or improbability, each with subtle differences in emphasis. The phrase is a useful tool for expressing incredulity, provided it's used in an appropriate context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly imaginable

Emphasizes the difficulty in forming a mental image or concept.

barely believable

Focuses on the lack of credibility or plausibility.

difficult to fathom

Highlights the challenge in understanding or comprehending something.

almost impossible to imagine

Stresses the near impossibility of envisioning something.

nearly unthinkable

Suggests that something is so unlikely it's hard to consider.

virtually unimaginable

Implies that something is practically impossible to picture.

unlikely to be believed

Focuses on the potential for skepticism from others.

bordering on the absurd

Emphasizes the illogical or irrational nature of something.

stretches credulity

Indicates that something tests the limits of belief.

defies belief

Asserts that something is so extraordinary it cannot be believed.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcely conceivable" in a sentence?

You can use "scarcely conceivable" to describe events or situations that are difficult to imagine or believe. For example: "It's "scarcely conceivable" that they would agree to such terms."

What are some alternatives to "scarcely conceivable"?

Alternatives include "hardly imaginable", "barely believable", or "difficult to fathom". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scarcely conceivable" formal or informal?

"Scarcely conceivable" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, consider using simpler phrases like "hard to believe" or "unimaginable".

What's the difference between "scarcely conceivable" and "inconceivable"?

"Scarcely conceivable" suggests something is highly unlikely or difficult to imagine, while "inconceivable" implies it's impossible to imagine or consider. "Inconceivable" is a stronger, more absolute term.