there possibly are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there possibly are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty about the existence of something or when suggesting that something may exist. Example: "In this vast universe, there possibly are other forms of intelligent life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And there possibly are some men who do.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

His is the biggest kind of singing there possibly is, and mine is the most intimate, but our differences are complementary," he said.

The New York Times

If you feel there possibly is a problem, don't deny it.

WikiHow

"Could there possibly be one in India?

The New York Times

Can there possibly be a downside to day lilies?

The New York Times

But could there possibly be a breakthrough in sight?

The Guardian - Money

How many of these anagrams can there possibly be?

The Guardian

Could there possibly be someone in the race who wasn't male?

The Guardian

But could there possibly be a worse time for the Jets to face Indianapolis?

The New York Times - Sports

What worse indictment could there possibly be of the habit of doling out big bonuses?

The Guardian - Business

What could there possibly be that you haven't already got?" He had me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there possibly are" when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or speculation about the existence of something. This phrasing softens the statement and avoids making a definitive claim.

Common error

Avoid using "there possibly are" excessively in your writing, as too much hedging can make your arguments seem weak or indecisive. Balance cautious language with direct assertions where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there possibly are" functions as an existential clause, introducing the possibility of something existing or being true. It serves to express uncertainty or speculation. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there possibly are" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express uncertainty or speculation about the existence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While infrequent in occurrence, it finds use across various contexts like news, science and general writing. Alternatives like "there may be" or "there could be" offer similar meanings, but "there possibly are" provides a more explicit emphasis on the degree of uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there may be

Indicates possibility, similar to the original phrase but more concise.

perhaps there are

A simple and direct way of expressing uncertainty or possibility.

there could be

Suggests a potential occurrence, similar in strength to "there possibly are".

it is possible that there are

Adds a layer of formality while conveying the same meaning of possibility.

there might be

Indicates a lower degree of certainty compared to "there possibly are".

conceivably, there are

Starts with an adverb to emphasize the possibility.

there are potentially

Highlights the potential existence of something, shifting the focus slightly.

it's conceivable that there are

Implies something is imaginable or believable, but not necessarily likely.

it is conceivable that there exists

Similar to 'it is conceivable that there are' but using a slightly more formal verb and tone.

it's not impossible that there are

Emphasizes the absence of impossibility, rather than directly asserting possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "there possibly are" in a sentence?

Use "there possibly are" to introduce a possibility or a speculation. For instance, "In that unexplored region, "there possibly are" undiscovered species."

What's a more formal way to say "there possibly are"?

A more formal alternative could be "it is possible that there are" or "it is conceivable that there are", which adds a degree of detachment and formality to the statement.

Are "there possibly are" and "there may be" interchangeable?

While similar, "there may be" is generally more common and slightly less emphatic than "there possibly are", which explicitly indicates a degree of uncertainty.

When should I avoid using "there possibly are"?

Avoid using "there possibly are" in contexts where a definitive statement is expected or required. In those cases, opt for more assertive language unless uncertainty is a key part of your message.