was just conceivable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was just conceivable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something was barely possible or imaginable in a particular context. Example: "In the midst of chaos, it was just conceivable that a solution could emerge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was just conceivable, when the snap election was declared last month, that Corbyn might have broken ranks and supported local electoral pacts against the Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

There were so many stories about Sautov in this city that it was just conceivable he started some of them himself.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fawcett wrote, "It is just conceivable this may be Z".

The New Yorker

It is just conceivable that a more frighteningly nationalist figure will emerge.

The Economist

It is just conceivable that such a process could be completed in time for the next general election.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tear it up and start again It is just conceivable that the June 16 summit could decide to pull the plug on the entire constitution.

The Guardian

The global trade picture will brighten further if Pacific Rim countries and, separately, Europe, sign free-trade pacts with the US; both are just conceivable in 2015.

The Economist

With 16 candidates, two well known independents, and an electorate still smarting from the unceremonious dismissal of former member Malcolm Turnbull by his own party, it's just conceivable that Labor could sneak in or at least give the Liberals a fright.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, when Kenny Noye's appeal comes to court, and it is announced that he's receiving legal aid, it is just conceivable that some taxpayers might think they are being ripped off by a millionaire double-killer who likes the sound of 'Goldfinger'.

The Guardian

It is just conceivable that, if the American newspapers and magazines had taken up these arguments and pressured the Fed, Greenspan would have responded… Writer describes electronic day trading during the bubble… The period between November , 1998 and March, 2000, was arguably the most remarkable in the history of American capitalism.

The New Yorker

The universe itself is only 13.8 billion years old.Assuming the planets are the same age as their star (likely but not definite; it is just conceivable they have arrived from elsewhere), that suggests planet formation began not long after the Big Bang.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was just conceivable" to express that something was barely possible or imaginable, typically in situations where the outcome is uncertain or highly improbable.

Common error

Avoid using "was just conceivable" when describing highly probable or certain events. This phrase implies a low degree of likelihood, so using it inappropriately can weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was just conceivable" functions as a qualifier, expressing a low degree of possibility or likelihood. Ludwig confirms this usage. It often appears within a clause, modifying a statement to indicate that an event or outcome is barely imaginable or achievable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was just conceivable" is a phrase used to express that something was barely possible or imaginable. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. Use it to convey a low degree of likelihood or to acknowledge a remote possibility. Alternatives include "was barely imaginable" or "was remotely possible". Avoid using it when describing highly probable events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was barely imaginable

Focuses on the difficulty of imagining the scenario, emphasizing its remoteness.

was remotely possible

Highlights the slight chance of something occurring.

was faintly plausible

Suggests a slight degree of believability, though not necessarily likely.

was theoretically possible

Indicates possibility in principle, even if unlikely in practice.

was a slim possibility

Emphasizes the low probability of the event.

was on the cards

Indicates that something was a possibility, though not necessarily expected.

was within the realm of possibility

Suggests that the event was not entirely impossible.

was a long shot

Emphasizes the improbability of success.

remained a chance

Highlights the continued existence of a possibility, however small.

could just be imagined

Focuses on the ability to picture the event, however difficult it might be.

FAQs

How can I use "was just conceivable" in a sentence?

Use "was just conceivable" to indicate something was barely possible or imaginable. For example, "It "was just conceivable" that they might win, despite the odds." It suggests a low probability.

What are some alternatives to "was just conceivable"?

Alternatives include "was barely imaginable", "was remotely possible", or "was a slim possibility". These phrases all express a low degree of possibility.

Is it correct to say "it is just conceivable"?

Yes, "it is just conceivable" is correct. It's the present tense equivalent of ""was just conceivable"" and implies a similar level of possibility.

What's the difference between "conceivable" and "possible"?

"Conceivable" implies that something can be imagined or understood, while "possible" simply means something can occur. "Was just conceivable" suggests the situation was barely imaginable, indicating a lower likelihood than "was just possible".