this may conceivably be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this may conceivably be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or likelihood of something being true or occurring, often in a speculative context. Example: "Given the current trends in technology, this may conceivably be the future of communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

32 Mb ram Commercial suicide though this may conceivably be for the publisher, it's devilishly handy for the user.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the very least, this assay of monocyte apoptosis may conceivably be used as a prognostic tool, especially if it is combined with other factors in a multivariate model.

Critical Care

This effect may be further compounded by using an antibody directed against an intracellular epitope (29D8), which may conceivably be masked by this modification.

Plosone

Or they may conceivably be working out a grand bargain.

The Economist

Amid the din of radiating stars, an orderly train of pulses may conceivably be a message.

The New York Times - Science

So movies like August: Osage County, Philomena and Saving Mr Banks may conceivably be fading, while Gravity, 12 Years and American Hustle pull ahead.

The Guardian - Film

Up ahead, a stern, black-bearded old gentleman is posing with a pair of leggy blondes who may conceivably be his granddaughters.

The Guardian - Film

It may, conceivably, be possible to cut deals with the private sector if they are genuinely beneficial, but only when it is completely clear that the public qualities of a place are not being compromised.

The Guardian - Arts

Horoscopes, predicting the character and fate of a person on the basis of the constellation of the stars at his birth, are known to have been constructed in the late 1st millennium bce, but the art may conceivably be older.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Motion pictures are not, of course, a subject of discussion in Great Books of the Western World, save perhaps as there may conceivably be a mention of them in Freud's early writings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With so many phenomena in search of a biological explanation, "Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation" may conceivably be followed by a second sequel — with twists as unexpected as those in the old "Star Trek" shows.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this may conceivably be" to introduce a possibility or speculation, particularly when presenting a hypothesis or theoretical scenario. This adds a layer of nuance that acknowledges uncertainty while still offering a potential explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "this may conceivably be" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound stilted or overly cautious in everyday contexts; simpler alternatives like "this could be" or "this might be" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

This phrase functions as a modal expression indicating possibility or conjecture. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is often used to introduce a statement that is considered plausible but not definitively proven. Examples show it appearing in contexts where authors are exploring potential explanations or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this may conceivably be" is a modal phrase used to express a possibility or conjecture, primarily in formal and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable, serving to introduce tentative explanations or hypotheses. While versatile, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could possibly be

Emphasizes the possibility but might suggest a slightly lower probability.

this might potentially be

Highlights the potential aspect with a degree of uncertainty.

this can conceivably be

Suggests that something is within the realm of possibility or capability.

this is possibly conceivable

Rearranges the structure, slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

it is conceivable that this is

Introduces a formal tone by using "it is" and restructures the sentence.

this may plausibly be

Replaces "conceivably" with "plausibly", indicating a reasonable chance of being true.

this might reasonably be

Suggests a logical or rational basis for the possibility.

it is imaginable that this is

Shifts focus to the ability to imagine or conceive of something.

this has the potential to be

Focuses on the inherent potential, rather than the likelihood.

it is not out of the question that this is

Emphasizes that something is still a possibility, even if unlikely.

FAQs

How can I use "this may conceivably be" in a sentence?

Use "this may conceivably be" to suggest a possibility or potential explanation, especially in academic or formal writing. For example, "Given the data, this may conceivably be the reason for the observed effect."

What are some alternatives to "this may conceivably be"?

Alternatives include "this could possibly be", "this might potentially be", or "this may plausibly be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "this may conceivably be" instead of "this could be"?

"This may conceivably be" is more formal and adds a layer of considered possibility, suitable for academic or professional contexts. "This could be" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Is "this may conceivably be" interchangeable with "this is likely to be"?

No, "this may conceivably be" suggests a possibility that is being considered, while "this is likely to be" indicates a higher degree of probability or expectation. They are not interchangeable in contexts where the strength of the assertion matters.