was possible to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was possible to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the clarity or comprehensibility of something in the past. Example: "Despite the complexity of the topic, it was possible to understand the main concepts after thorough explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Sottsass showed that it was possible to understand design as a cultural as well as a technical issue.

The Guardian - Arts

It was possible to understand that an individual claiming £150 in exaggerated expenses rather than £100 legitimately owed to him should be sentenced on the basis he dishonestly acquired £50.

The Guardian

Until the recent dethroning of Eric Cantor, it was possible to understand the Tea Party as fundamentally driven by economic conservatism; it's now apparent that it is, in large measure, an outlet for nativist anxieties.

The New Yorker

Indeed, it was possible to understand the underlying mechanisms of interaction between dilute magnetic impurities allowing ferromagnetic semiconductors at room temperature.

Nanoscale Research Letters

From the usage of 2.5D detailed models it was possible to understand the influence of the embankment and track properties on the critical speed.

Transportation Geotechnics

With the help of a three-dimensional space, it was possible to understand the local energy initiatives as the opposite of the central station electricity system which has dominated electricity production and consumption almost from the invention of electricity.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

By understanding why the cerebellum is protected against aging, it might be possible to understand the cause of tissue aging, which remains a central mystery of biology.

Aging

It is possible to understand why perceived self-interest has made Tories allergic to change.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is possible to understand both without recognizing that they refer to the same person.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's possible to understand the history of the twentieth century through its relationship to the ideal of innocence.

The New Yorker

But taking a leaf out of historians like Raphael Samuel, it's possible to understand Stratford in a less jaundiced manner.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was possible to understand" when describing a past situation where comprehension was achievable, often after some effort or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "was possible to understand" when "was easy to understand" is more appropriate. "Possible" suggests that comprehension required some effort or specific conditions, while "easy" implies inherent simplicity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was possible to understand" functions as a modal expression indicating the potential for comprehension in a past context. It describes the achievability of understanding something, often implying that certain conditions or efforts made it so. According to Ludwig AI, this is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was possible to understand" is grammatically correct and useful for expressing that comprehension was achievable in a past context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard English grammar rules. While not exceedingly common, it finds its primary usage in scientific and news-related domains. It conveys that something could be comprehended, often implying that effort or specific conditions were required. For alternatives, consider phrases like "could be understood" or "was understandable" to add variety to your writing. Avoid confusing "possible" with "easy", as "possible" indicates some effort was needed for comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be understood

Changes the tense and auxiliary verb to indicate a potential for understanding.

was able to be understood

Replaces "possible" with "able", emphasizing capability of being understood.

could have been understood

Shifts to a past conditional, suggesting understanding was possible under certain conditions.

was capable of being understood

Substitutes "possible" with "capable", highlighting the inherent potential for comprehension.

it was understandable

Uses an adjective to describe the quality of being easily understood.

one could understand

Employs an impersonal pronoun and modal verb to convey the ability to understand.

it was within reason to understand

Replaces "possible" with "within reason", implying logical grounds for understanding.

understanding was achievable

Focuses on the accomplishment of understanding rather than its possibility.

the matter was comprehensible

Switches to an adjective, emphasizing the quality of being easily understood or grasped.

the situation was clear

Indicates that a situation was free from ambiguity and easily understood.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was possible to understand" for variety?

You can use alternatives such as "could be understood", "was understandable", or "one could understand" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "was possible to understand" and "was easy to understand"?

"Was possible to understand" implies that understanding required effort or specific conditions, while "was easy to understand" suggests inherent simplicity and little effort needed for comprehension.

Is "was possible to understand" formal or informal?

"Was possible to understand" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but alternatives like "could be understood" might be preferred in more formal writing.

How to use "was possible to understand" in a sentence?

You can use "was possible to understand" to describe a situation in the past where comprehension was achievable. For example: "Despite the complex explanation, it was possible to understand the main points".