this is possibly

USAGE SUMMARY

"This is possibly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to express uncertainty, or to make an educated guess. For example: "This is possibly the best way to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is possibly the worst insult.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is possibly his biggest failure".

The Guardian - Business

Penrose believes that this is possibly when Miller snapped.

The New York Times - Style

"This is possibly the geekiest book ever written".

The New York Times

But I think that this is possibly his last contract.

The Guardian

"This is possibly going to be your easiest OBO ever.

The Guardian - Sport

This is possibly the best crispy chicken in Sydney.

The Guardian - Travel

This is possibly now in the N.F.L. rule book.

The New York Times - Sports

This is possibly not even a real bow tie; it looks plastic.

The Guardian

Importantly, it turns out this is possibly the most truly "world" music that there is.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is, possibly, the most exquisite and perfect of all psychological ghost stories.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is possibly" to introduce an opinion or suggestion, softening the statement and indicating openness to alternative viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "this is possibly" in formal or academic writing. While it softens claims, excessive use can dilute the strength of your arguments. Opt for more direct and assertive language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is possibly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It serves to qualify a statement, expressing a degree of uncertainty or possibility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is possibly" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or educated guesses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently across various contexts, from news to scientific writing. Its primary function is to hedge statements, softening claims and inviting alternative viewpoints. While common, it's important to avoid overuse in formal writing, opting for more assertive language when appropriate. Consider alternatives like "this is potentially" or "this might be" to adjust the tone and emphasis, ensuring clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is perhaps

Replaces "possibly" with "perhaps", offering a slightly more literary feel.

this is potentially

Replaces "possibly" with "potentially", giving a more formal tone.

this could be

Replaces "possibly" with "could be", indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

this might be

Substitutes "possibly" with "might be", indicating a weaker level of certainty.

this may well be

Emphasizes likelihood with "may well be" rather than simple possibility.

it's potentially the case

Replaces "this is" with "it's", and substitutes "possibly" with the more formal "potentially the case".

there's a chance this is

Introduces the idea of chance, implying a probabilistic outlook.

it's conceivable that this is

Uses "conceivable" instead of "possibly", suggesting something imaginable or believable.

it is a possibility that this is

Reformulates the phrase to emphasize the "possibility" as a noun.

this seems possibly to be

Adds "seems" to soften the claim and highlight appearance over definitive truth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is possibly" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "this is potentially", "it is conceivable that this is", or "it is potentially the case", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is possibly" in writing?

Use "this is possibly" when you want to express a degree of uncertainty or speculation. It's suitable when you're making an educated guess or suggesting a possibility, but not stating a definitive fact.

What are some less formal alternatives to "this is possibly"?

Less formal alternatives include "this might be", "this could be", or "this is perhaps". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly more casual tone.

Is there a difference between "this is possibly" and "this is potentially"?

While similar, "this is potentially" often suggests a capacity for future development or realization, whereas "this is possibly" indicates a current likelihood or chance. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.