think possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "think possible" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to convey the idea of believing in possibilities or considering what can be achieved, but it lacks clarity and grammatical structure. Example: "If you can dream it, you can achieve it; just think possible."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If this argument works, it has the piquant feature that 'the zombies that antiphysicalists think possible in the end undermine the arguments that allege to establish their possibility' (502. Chalmers offers brief replies in his 2003 20100, pp. 159 60).

SEP

Dr. Chansky recommends something else: think "possible".

The New York Times

More is needed, and we think possible.

Columbia University

But the last really I don't think possible".

The Guardian

They dragged things out of me I didn't think possible.

The New York Times - Sports

My son changed me in ways I didn't think possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She inspires people to express themselves in ways they didn't think possible.

The New York Times

£39.99, argos.co.uk 4. Panasonic Stainless Steel This has more features than you'd think possible.

Independent

But what people want and what they think possible are often far apart.

The Guardian - Opinion

QUESTION FROM FABIAN: What do you think possible consequences for Lebanon could look like?

The New Yorker

The film is certainly much less bleak than you'd ever think possible.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and correctness, replace "think possible" with more grammatically sound alternatives such as "believe is achievable" or "consider attainable". This ensures your writing is both clear and credible.

Common error

Avoid using "think possible" in formal documents or academic papers. While it might be acceptable in casual conversation, it's seen as grammatically incorrect. Instead, use alternatives like "deem feasible" or "consider attainable" for professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "think possible" functions as a verb phrase intended to express the consideration of something as being within the realm of possibility. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the construction is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "think possible" appears in various contexts, it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI advises using more precise alternatives like "believe is achievable" or "consider attainable", especially in formal settings. Its presence in news articles and academic sources, as seen from the examples, doesn't validate its grammatical correctness. Therefore, it's best to opt for grammatically sound options to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing. Though the frequency of the expression is uncommon, the user should take into account the necessity to replace it with the alternative to enhance writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

believe is achievable

Emphasizes a conviction that something can be successfully completed or attained.

consider attainable

Highlights the idea of something being within reach or capable of being obtained.

view as something that can be done

This version emphasizes the action and the ability to perform something.

deem feasible

Focuses on an assessment of practicality and whether something can be realistically done.

envision as doable

Emphasizes the act of picturing something as capable of being accomplished or carried out.

regard as viable

Stresses the capability of something to function effectively or survive.

imagine as plausible

Highlights the act of envisioning something as reasonable or likely.

conceive as workable

Focuses on the ability to create a mental picture of something that can be successfully implemented.

expect to happen

Shifts the focus to anticipation and the likelihood of an event occurring.

deem within the realm of possibility

Expands the scope to include anything that might occur or be achieved.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically correct way to say "think possible"?

Instead of "think possible", use phrases like "believe is achievable", "deem feasible", or "consider attainable". These alternatives provide clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Is "think possible" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "think possible" is generally not appropriate for formal writing. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "regard as viable" or "imagine as plausible" to maintain a professional tone.

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

While "think possible" is grammatically questionable, you might encounter it in informal contexts. However, it's advisable to rephrase using alternatives like "conceive as workable" to ensure clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between "think possible" and "believe is achievable"?

"Think possible" is a less formal and grammatically suspect construction. A more accurate alternative is "believe is achievable", which clearly conveys the idea that something can be successfully completed.