what is possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is possible" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing potential outcomes, options, or capabilities in various contexts. For example, "We need to explore what is possible within our budget." Alternative expressions include "what can be done," "what may be achievable," and "what is feasible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The opening to what is possible and what IS next?

Huffington Post

What is possible to achieve?

The New Yorker

One story shows what is possible.

Independent

There is evidence of what is possible.

The New York Times

You have to do what is possible.

The New York Times - Science

"A TASTE of what is possible".

The Economist

Here is what is possible.

The New York Times - Arts

Sport shows what is possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Customers often don't know what is possible.

The Economist

"It's a glimpse at what is possible".

The New York Times

What is possible in old age?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what is possible" to encourage innovative thinking by prompting exploration of potential solutions and opportunities. For example, ask your team, "Considering our current resources, what is possible?" to spark creative problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "what is possible" when you mean "what is probable" or "what is likely." Possibility refers to something that could happen, while probability refers to how likely it is to happen. For example, say "It is probable that sales will increase," not "It is possible that sales will increase" if you have data supporting that likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is possible" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it frequently introduces discussions about potential outcomes, opportunities, or limits. It frames inquiries into the realm of potential actions or results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what is possible" is a versatile phrase used to explore potential outcomes and opportunities across various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news, academic, and business settings. To ensure clarity, it's important to distinguish between possibility and probability, and to choose more specific alternatives like "what is feasible" or "what can be achieved" based on the intended meaning. The phrase is best used to encourage innovation and strategic planning by exploring the limits and opportunities within a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what can be achieved

Focuses on accomplishments rather than potential.

what is achievable

Emphasizes the attainability of a goal or outcome.

what is feasible

Highlights the practicality and viability of something.

what lies within the realm of possibility

More formal and emphasizes the boundaries of potential.

what are the opportunities

Shifts the focus to advantageous prospects.

what potential exists

Highlights inherent capacity for growth or development.

what are the limits

Focuses on restrictions and boundaries.

what is the art of the possible

More philosophical, referencing pragmatic politics.

what's on the horizon

Shifts perspective toward future potential and developments.

what the future holds

Focuses on speculative outcomes and prospective scenarios.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "what is possible" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "what can be achieved", "what is achievable", or "what lies within the realm of possibility".

When is it better to use "what is feasible" instead of "what is possible"?

Use "what is feasible" when you want to emphasize the practicality and viability of an option, focusing on resources and constraints. "What is possible" is broader, encompassing theoretical potential.

How does "what is possible" differ from "what is probable"?

"What is possible" refers to anything that could potentially happen, regardless of likelihood. "What is probable" concerns what is likely to occur based on current evidence. Understanding the difference ensures clear communication about potential outcomes.

Are there contexts where "what is possible" is not an appropriate phrase?

While generally versatile, "what is possible" may not be suitable when discussing definitive facts or past events. In such cases, focus on describing "what happened" or "what is known" rather than exploring potential outcomes.