sounds possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sounds possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something seems feasible or likely to happen. Example: "Given the current circumstances, your plan sounds possible, but we need to consider potential challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

August 30, 2013 Did I? It sounds possible.

The Guardian - Sport

That sounds possible, if you credit the church's claim that it has 8 million members.

The Guardian - Books

"I would want to see the evidence, but this sounds possible.

The Guardian

To parents who may never have considered it before, home schooling suddenly sounds possible.

The New York Times - Tech

Certainly sounds possible, and reports in the British news media Wednesday said that the Red Devils' brain trust was poised to name Moyes as Ferguson's replacement.

The New York Times

In theory, it sounds possible to change the minds of 38 people — or 37, if you think that the House would resolve a tie not in Trump's favor.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It doesn't sound possible.

Cornell University

No, I know it doesn't sound possible.

Cornell University

Under the sink sounded possible: "It would depend on how much room there is.

The New Yorker

If it does not always make these matters sound easy, at least it makes them sound possible.

The New York Times - Science

Obviously, the best course would have been to get them to cancel the contest, but this didn't sound possible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sounds possible" when you want to express that an idea or plan seems feasible based on initial assessment, but further investigation may be required. It conveys a sense of cautious optimism.

Common error

Avoid using "sounds possible" as a substitute for genuine analysis. Always follow up with a thorough examination of the idea or plan to ensure its actual feasibility. Don't let it become a conversational filler that masks a lack of deeper thought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sounds possible" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that something appears to be achievable or feasible based on initial information. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Tech

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sounds possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying a preliminary assessment of feasibility. As validated by Ludwig, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, where it's used to express cautious optimism about a plan or idea. Remember to use it judiciously and follow up with a more thorough investigation. The key here is that while something "sounds possible", further analysis will be needed to reach a definitive conclusion. Consider using synonyms such as "seems plausible" or "appears feasible" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems plausible

Replaces "sounds" with "seems", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the sense of believability.

appears feasible

Substitutes both "sounds" and "possible" for alternatives that emphasize practicality and achievability.

could be viable

Indicates that something has the potential to work, focusing on its potential for success.

might be achievable

Highlights the attainability of something, emphasizing effort and potential outcomes.

is potentially doable

Uses a more informal tone to express the possibility of something being accomplished.

seems within the realm of possibility

Expands the phrase to emphasize that something is not outside the boundaries of what could happen.

that's a likely scenario

Shifts the focus to the event or situation being probable.

that could happen

Offers a simple statement about the chance of an event taking place.

it stands to reason

Indicates that something is logical or expected based on the available information.

it holds water

Emphasizes that an idea or argument is coherent and consistent.

FAQs

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

You can use "sounds possible" to express that something seems achievable or likely. For example: "Given the resources, the project sounds possible." or "Implementing that strategy sounds possible, but we need to analyze the potential risks".

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

Alternatives include "seems plausible", "appears feasible", or "could be viable", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sounds possible" in formal writing?

While "sounds possible" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "appears feasible" or "seems plausible" might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts. Using it is fine, but consider your audience and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "sounds possible" and "is possible"?

"Sounds possible" suggests a preliminary assessment based on initial information, implying a need for further investigation. "Is possible" indicates a more definitive conclusion that something can be done. For example: "The mission sounds possible based on the briefing, but we need to review the detailed plans." versus "With the right tools, the mission is possible".