whether it is possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whether it is possible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the feasibility or likelihood of a certain action or situation. Example: "We need to determine whether it is possible to complete the project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its function is only to determine whether it is possible to say that the legislative decision is without rational basis.

Cornell University

Whether it is possible is another matter.

The Guardian - Business

It is not a question of whether it is possible.

The Guardian

"I can't say whether it is possible or not possible.

The New York Times

Whether it is possible, only time will tell.

Independent

The question is whether it is possible to reconcile qualitative criteria and efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence

Andrew asks whether it is possible to decouple economic growth from ecological devastation.

University of California, Berkeley

Determine whether it is possible to include a control condition for the testing.

University of California, Berkeley

4) Determine whether it is possible to include a control condition for the testing.

University of California, Berkeley

We wonder whether it is possible to reconsider the representative capacity of architecture.

Yale University

We studied whether it is possible to predict severity of pain during medical abortion.

Contraception

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whether it is possible", ensure that the context clearly defines the conditions or factors that influence the possibility being discussed. This adds precision and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "whether it is possible" in contexts where the possibility is already evident or universally accepted. Such usage can make your writing sound redundant or lacking in focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whether it is possible" functions as an introductory clause to a question, typically exploring the feasibility or potential for something to occur. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whether it is possible" serves as a versatile linguistic tool for inquiring about the feasibility or potential of an action or outcome. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts such as academic research, news reporting, and everyday conversations. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid redundancy by focusing on specific conditions influencing the possibility. Alternatives such as "if it's feasible" or "is it doable" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it's feasible

Focuses more directly on the practicality and achievability of something.

if it can be done

Emphasizes the ability to accomplish something, suggesting a simpler, more direct approach.

is it doable

Uses a more informal term, 'doable', to indicate if something is realistically achievable.

can it be realized

Implies a process of making something concrete or turning an idea into reality.

is it within the realm of possibility

Expands the scope to consider the overall chance of something occurring.

is there a chance

Simplifies the question to whether any opportunity or likelihood exists.

is it conceivable

Focuses on whether something is imaginable or believable, rather than purely achievable.

if it's likely to happen

Shifts the emphasis to the probability of an event occurring.

if the stars align

Uses idiomatic language to suggest that success depends on a fortunate combination of circumstances.

does it stand a chance

Poses the question of whether something has any prospect of success.

FAQs

How can I use "whether it is possible" in a sentence?

Use "whether it is possible" to inquire about the feasibility or potential of a certain action or outcome. For instance, "The study aims to determine "whether it is possible" to reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2030".

What are some alternatives to "whether it is possible"?

You can use alternatives like "if it's feasible", "if it can be done", or "is it doable", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "whether it is possible" or "if it is possible"?

Both "whether it is possible" and "if it is possible" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. However, "whether" is generally preferred when presenting two or more alternatives or options, while "if" is more common in conditional sentences.

What is the difference between "whether it is possible" and "whether it is probable"?

"Whether it is possible" questions the feasibility of something, while "whether it is probable" questions the likelihood. Possibility refers to if something can happen, while probability refers to how likely it will happen. "Whether it is possible" to build a flying car is different from "whether it is probable" that flying cars will be widely used in the next 10 years.