this could conceivably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could conceivably be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or hypothetical situation that is within the realm of consideration or belief. Example: "Given the current circumstances, this could conceivably be the best solution we have."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"So this could conceivably be one of those problems without a good solution".

The New York Times

This could conceivably be a blessing or a curse when it comes time to conduct that orchestra.

The New York Times - Arts

This could conceivably be a sendup of Sommer's surreal 1939 picture of a chicken head shrouded in the membrane of its innards.

The New York Times - Arts

If a landlord learns a tenant is charging a roommate more than the proportional share of the rent, this could conceivably be grounds for eviction, but Ms. Russo said that the issue is so new, it has not yet been tested.

The New York Times

The correctness of Pa as an answer to (18) depends on there not being such a ϕ, and this could conceivably be disputed, but it is at least plausible that there is no such ϕ.

SEP

All of this could conceivably be a logical outcome of a complex peace process that would regain its footing and have a reasonable chance of moving forward.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This platform could conceivably be imported into Universe.

MIT Technology Review

As far as an actual lightsaber is concerned, scientists postulate that this technique could conceivably be used to form 3D structures made of light.

The Guardian - Film

This idea could, conceivably, be more of a goer, not least because it would chime with pre-existing efforts by Britain and other EU countries, including Germany, to make their benefits systems less generous to recent immigrants.

The Economist

This moment could conceivably be untrue, but Thad's father never openly disagrees and thus the statement hangs there as fact.

Forbes

This practice could conceivably be taken too far and the New Republic assures us with scant evidence that it has been but that some people might be overly concerned about the emotional well-being of those who have suffered trauma is not high up on my daily list of things to get upset about.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this could conceivably be" to introduce a possible outcome or explanation, particularly when the situation is not certain but remains a valid consideration. Frame it as one possibility among others.

Common error

Avoid using "this could conceivably be" when a more definite statement is warranted. The phrase signals uncertainty and should not be used to describe well-established facts or highly probable outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could conceivably be" functions as a hedge or qualifier. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and indicates it introduces a statement of possibility. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to express potential outcomes or explanations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could conceivably be" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce potential or hypothetical situations. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions as a qualifier, softening the assertion and acknowledging uncertainty. It appears across a range of contexts, notably News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian validates its proper usage. To maximize clarity and avoid overstatement, ensure the phrase aligns with the actual degree of uncertainty present in your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might possibly be

Replaces "conceivably" with "possibly", suggesting a slightly weaker degree of likelihood.

this could potentially be

Substitutes "conceivably" with "potentially", emphasizing the inherent possibility.

this could reasonably be

Replaces "conceivably" with "reasonably", implying a logical or justifiable basis for the possibility.

this could arguably be

Substitutes "conceivably" with "arguably", suggesting the possibility is open to debate.

this could plausibly be

Replaces "conceivably" with "plausibly", indicating a believable or credible possibility.

this could theoretically be

Substitutes "conceivably" with "theoretically", emphasizing the possibility within a theoretical framework.

it is conceivable that this could be

Adds a degree of formality by explicitly stating that something is conceivable.

it is within the realm of possibility that this could be

Replaces "conceivably" with a more verbose expression, emphasizing the possibility aspect.

this is not beyond the bounds of possibility

Expresses possibility by indicating that something is still possible.

one could imagine this being

Shifts from expressing possibility to inviting speculation.

FAQs

How to use "this could conceivably be" in a sentence?

Use "this could conceivably be" to introduce a possibility or a potential explanation, often in situations where the outcome is uncertain or dependent on various factors. For instance, "Given the evidence, "this could conceivably be" a case of mistaken identity".

What can I say instead of "this could conceivably be"?

You can use alternatives like "this might possibly be", "this could potentially be", or "this could reasonably be" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "this could conceivably be" or "this can conceivably be"?

"This could conceivably be" is generally preferred because "could" indicates possibility or a hypothetical situation, while "can" implies ability or general truth. Using "could" better conveys the intended uncertainty.

What's the difference between "this could conceivably be" and "this is conceivably"?

"This could conceivably be" suggests a hypothetical or possible scenario, whereas "this is conceivably" asserts a stronger degree of possibility bordering on likelihood. The former leaves more room for doubt or alternative explanations.