that is possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is possibly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate uncertainty or to suggest that something may be true or likely under certain conditions. Example: "The outcome of the experiment is still uncertain, that is possibly due to the lack of sufficient data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here, possible number means the number of card combination that is possibly made by the students.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

For a bike that is possibly entirely theft-proof, you might want to consider the Yerka.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The federal government is investigating prisons throughout Alabama in an inquiry that is "possibly unprecedented".

The Guardian

Popularisers of modern physics face a problem that is possibly insuperable.

The Guardian - Books

But you overlooked a fourth option that is possibly the most realistic and constructive: debt monetisation.

The Economist

Typically, we have a model with a response variable that is possibly affected by one or more treatments.

Mathematical Statistics with Applications in R

Still, the interior remains a stunning space, a shape-shifting cathedral that is possibly the Serpentine's most impressive pavilion yet.

The Guardian - Arts

It certainly seemed like summer on a narrow spit of sand that is possibly the only beach in Manhattan.

The New York Times

But Third Wave's technology does not, making it an alternative and one that is possibly cheaper and less time-consuming.

The New York Times

"Some authorities say it's a question of distance — romance in literature, that is — " "Possibly, in the case of art.

The New Yorker

It is the topic of the research itself that is possibly at the origin of these constraints: the child in a situation of vulnerability and handicap.

Annales Médico-psychologiques, revue psychiatrique

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is possibly" to introduce a statement where you want to acknowledge uncertainty or present a potential explanation without stating it as a definite fact. This adds nuance and avoids overstating your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "that is possibly" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your statements seem weak or indecisive. Balance its use with more assertive language to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is possibly" functions as a qualifier, softening a statement and indicating uncertainty or possibility. As shown in Ludwig, it introduces a degree of doubt or speculation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

48%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is possibly" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or potentiality, predominantly in scientific and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to hedge claims or offer cautious explanations. While its frequent use can weaken statements, strategic placement adds nuance. Alternatives like "that could be" or "that may be" provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone. Remember to balance this qualifier with more assertive language to maintain writing impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could be

Replaces "is possibly" with "could be", suggesting a potential but not definite state.

that might be

Substitutes "is possibly" with "might be", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

that may be

Uses "may be" instead of "is possibly", conveying possibility in a more concise way.

that is perhaps

Replaces "possibly" with "perhaps", offering a slightly more formal tone.

that is conceivably

Substitutes "possibly" with "conceivably", suggesting something is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

that is potentially

Uses "potentially" instead of "possibly", highlighting the potential for something to occur or be true.

that is arguably

Suggests the statement is open to debate or argument, rather than being a simple possibility.

that is plausibly

Implies the statement is believable or has the appearance of truth.

that is conceivably

Suggests that something is capable of being imagined or grasped mentally.

that is rumored to be

Conveys that the statement is based on hearsay or unconfirmed reports, rather than direct knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "that is possibly" to express uncertainty or suggest a potential explanation. For example, "The delay in the project is possibly due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "that is possibly"?

You can use alternatives like "that could be", "that might be", or "that may be" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to use "that is possibly" or "perhaps"?

"Perhaps" is generally considered slightly more formal than "that is possibly". Choose the option that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "that is possibly" and "that is likely"?

"That is possibly" indicates a potential but uncertain outcome, while "that is likely" suggests a higher probability. "That is likely" implies a stronger expectation of something happening or being true.