possible

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Able to happen, be done, or exist in the real world under the circumstances known now.

   Grammar: Usually predicative or before a noun; say possible, not *possible can: It is possible to leave early.

   Patterns

   • It is possible to do something
   • possible for someone
   • a possible reason
   • possible that something will happen

   It is possible to finish the report before lunch if we work quickly.

   Is it possible for you to pick up the package after work?

   A possible explanation is that the battery was already low.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Being considered among people or things that might be chosen, true, or suitable.

   Grammar: Attributive only: possible names, possible causes; contrast possible reason meaning one that may be true.

   Patterns

   • a possible candidate
   • possible causes
   • the possible effects

   The police interviewed three possible witnesses yesterday.

   We need a list of possible dates for the workshop.

   High cost is a possible drawback of the plan.

3. 3phrasefixed phrase

   Used after a superlative or in the fixed phrase as soon as possible to mean the greatest or earliest degree allowed.

   Grammar: Say as soon as possible; do not add can after possible.

   Patterns

   • the best possible result
   • as soon as possible
   • as much as possible

   Please send the files as soon as possible.

   She wanted the best possible care for her grandmother.

   We should waste as little food as possible.

Common combinations

possible solution

We discussed several ideas, but only one seemed like a possible solution.

possible outcome

The forecast showed rain as a possible outcome for the weekend.

as soon as possible

The nurse said the doctor would call as soon as possible.

possible for someone

It is not possible for the team to meet on Thursday.

everything possible

The volunteers did everything possible to clean the park.

Synonyms and how they differ

feasible

Feasible stresses that something can practically be done, often with limited resources; possible is broader and may only mean not impossible.

viable

Viable suggests an option can work successfully and continue; possible only says it could occur or be attempted.

achievable

Achievable emphasizes a goal that can be reached through effort; possible includes events nobody controls.

Opposites

Word family

possibly adverb

In a way that may happen or be true.

possibility noun

A thing that may happen, exist, or be chosen.

impossible adjective

Not able to happen, exist, or be done.

Commonly confused: possible or probable?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “possible”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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