was possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something could occur or be achieved in the past. Example: "It was possible to complete the project ahead of schedule due to the team's hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That was possible.

The New Yorker

Neither was possible.

The New York Times - Sports

It was possible.

The New York Times

But it was possible.

Independent

What else was possible?

The New York Times

Everything was possible.

The New Yorker

Suddenly, anything was possible.

Independent

No compromise was possible.

The Economist

Anything was possible, really.

The New Yorker

Anything was possible.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But I knew it was possible".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was possible" to indicate a past potential or capability. Ensure the context clearly defines what made the action or event feasible.

Common error

Avoid using "was possible" in contexts where the outcome was highly improbable or unrealistic. This can create confusion or undermine your credibility. Instead, consider using phrases like "theoretically possible" or "remotely possible" to indicate low likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was possible" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It indicates that something had the potential or capability to occur or be achieved in the past. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which show the phrase used to describe past events or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was possible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a past potential or capability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various communications. When using "was possible", ensure clarity in defining the context that made the outcome feasible and avoid applying it to improbable scenarios. Consider alternatives like "was achievable" or "could have happened" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was achievable

Stresses the attainability of something in the past, suggesting it was within reach.

could have happened

Focuses on the potential occurrence of an event in the past, emphasizing possibility rather than capability.

was feasible

Indicates practicality and viability, focusing on whether something could be done effectively.

it could be done

Focuses on the action and its potential for completion, emphasizing capability.

could be achieved

Emphasizes the potential for accomplishment, highlighting feasibility and attainment.

was within the realm of possibility

Highlights that something fell inside the scope of what could conceivably occur, emphasizing the limits of what was imaginable.

was conceivable

Suggests that something was imaginable or believable, focusing on its mental acceptance.

had the potential to happen

Focuses on inherent capacity or likelihood, underlining future development.

was a chance

Emphasizes a degree of uncertainty. The expression also makes reference to the probabilistic connotation of the event.

presented an opportunity

Stresses the existence of a favorable set of circumstances

FAQs

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

Use "was possible" to express that something had the potential to occur or be achieved in the past. For example, "It was possible to finish the project early because of the team's dedication".

What phrases can I use instead of "was possible"?

Alternatives include "could have happened", "was achievable", or "was feasible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "was possible" or "is possible"?

"Was possible" refers to a past potential or capability, while "is possible" refers to a current potential or capability. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timeframe you are discussing.

What's the difference between "was possible" and "could have been done"?

"Was possible" simply states that something had the potential to occur. "Could have been done" implies that there was an ability or opportunity to act, but it may not have been realized. The emphasis shifts from possibility to action.