that is conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is conceivable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas, possibilities, or scenarios that can be imagined or thought of as possible. Example: "In a world where technology advances rapidly, it is not far-fetched to say that artificial intelligence could surpass human intelligence; that is conceivable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"A sulphur mine in Sicily is about the nearest thing to a hell that is conceivable in my opinion".

BBC

Officials boldly predict that by June, the country will once again be pumping 1.6 million barrels of oil a day, although independent experts say that is conceivable only if the country can avoid a relapse into violence.

The New York Times

If the Knicks fail to win a championship in that same period of time — and that is conceivable — they will still be the Knicks, New York's favored home team.

The New York Times - Sports

That is conceivable, right?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Philosophers go through the different kinds of knowledge that are conceivable, and examine them in turn.

SEP

I, too, think that's conceivable, and it wouldn't be a bad thing.

The New Yorker

Unlike niche humor sites like College Humour oreBaumsworld, Popjam is aiming to be more of a 'platform' for humour, if that's conceivable.

TechCrunch

I mean, visually, that's conceivable, but the character and his traits and his qualities and the measure of the character himself did not change.

Huffington Post

The politics of the situation are such that it is conceivable that should a conflict arise, it will escalate into a war because politics will trump economics.

Huffington Post

George Berkeley had the same name as the eighteenth-century idealist who said that no existence is conceivable that isn't conscious spirit.

The New Yorker

Jackson's appointment would have served indirectly to affirm, yet again, that President Trump is conceivable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is conceivable" to introduce scenarios or possibilities that are not certainties but are within the realm of what can be imagined or considered likely. It adds a layer of measured speculation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that is conceivable" when a stronger statement of probability or fact is appropriate. Overuse can dilute the impact of your writing and make it seem less confident. Consider alternatives like "it is likely" or "it is probable" when the situation warrants a more assertive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is conceivable" functions as an evaluative expression, often used to introduce a scenario, possibility, or idea that is considered within the realm of reason or imagination. Ludwig AI suggests it frames something as possible without necessarily asserting its likelihood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that is conceivable" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, employed to introduce scenarios that are possible or imaginable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as an evaluative expression in both formal and informal contexts, predominantly in news, media, and science. While the phrase is versatile, it is important to use it judiciously, ensuring that it aligns with the intended tone and level of assertiveness in writing. Alternatives such as "that is imaginable" or "that is plausible" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance desired. Overall, understanding the subtleties of "that is conceivable" enables more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is imaginable

Focuses more on the capacity to be imagined rather than its possibility.

that is plausible

Suggests that something is believable or likely to be true.

that is possible

Indicates a potential for something to happen or be true.

that is thinkable

Emphasizes the ability to be thought of or considered.

that is credible

Highlights the quality of being believable or trustworthy.

that is believable

Focuses on the capacity to be believed.

that is within the realm of possibility

A more formal way of expressing that something is possible.

that is within reason

Suggests that something is logical and reasonable.

that is a possibility

Highlights something as one of the available options or outcomes.

that could happen

Directly indicates that an event is capable of occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "that is conceivable" in a sentence?

"That is conceivable" introduces a situation that might happen or be true. For example, "With advancements in technology, "that is conceivable"" shows it is possible.

What phrases are similar to "that is conceivable"?

Alternatives include "that is imaginable", "that is possible", or "that is plausible", depending on context. Each suggests varying degrees of likelihood or imagination.

Is "that is conceivable" formal or informal?

"That is conceivable" is suitable for both formal and informal settings. Its usage depends more on the context than the setting. It is more formal than saying "that could happen" but less formal than "it is entirely within the realm of possibility".

What is the difference between "that is conceivable" and "that is imaginable"?

"That is conceivable" implies possibility or believability, while "that is imaginable" focuses on the ability to be imagined. Something imaginable might not be possible, but something conceivable generally suggests a potential reality.