It is conceivable that
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to suggest a possibility politely while protecting yourself from being proven wrong later.
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to say something is possible but not certain.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too aggressive or blunt.
- Perfect for professional settings, academic writing, and delicate social situations.
Significado
This phrase is a polite way to say that something is possible, but you aren't 100% sure. It helps you suggest an idea without sounding too bossy or aggressive.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a project meeting
It is conceivable that the deadline will need to be extended.
It is possible that the deadline will need to be extended.
Speculating about a mystery
It is conceivable that he simply forgot his keys at the office.
It's possible he just left his keys at work.
Texting a friend about a party
It is conceivable that I might show up late if traffic is bad.
I might be late because of traffic.
Contexto cultural
This expression is a classic example of Anglo-American 'hedging,' a linguistic strategy used to avoid direct confrontation. It became a staple in academic and legal circles in the 19th century to allow for theoretical possibilities. Today, it is a hallmark of 'corporate speak,' used to discuss risks without causing panic.
The 'Double Negative' Trick
If you say 'It is not inconceivable,' you are actually saying something is quite likely! It's a sneaky way to sound very smart while being positive.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or lack confidence. Save it for the big points.
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to say something is possible but not certain.
- Used to soften claims and avoid sounding too aggressive or blunt.
- Perfect for professional settings, academic writing, and delicate social situations.
What It Means
It is conceivable that is your ultimate safety net. It means 'I can imagine this happening.' You use it when you want to float an idea. It shows you are open-minded. It suggests a possibility without making a hard promise. Think of it as a 'maybe' wearing a fancy suit. It turns a blunt fact into a gentle suggestion.
How To Use It
Put this phrase at the very start of your sentence. It acts like a soft cushion for the news following it. You can follow it with almost any situation. For example: It is conceivable that we might be late. It sounds much better than 'We are late.' It shifts the focus from a mistake to a possibility. It works best with modal verbs like might, could, or would.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are high. It is perfect for office meetings. Use it when you are speculating about the future. It is great for scientific or academic writing too. Use it when you want to sound thoughtful. It works well if you are disagreeing with someone politely. It makes you sound like a diplomat. You are not saying they are wrong. You are just saying another option is 'conceivable.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this during an emergency. If the kitchen is on fire, don't say this. Just yell 'Fire!' It is too slow for urgent action. Avoid it in very casual texts with your best friend. It might sound like you are joking or being sarcastic. Don't use it if you are 100% certain. If you know the sun rises in the east, don't use it. It makes you sound unsure of basic facts.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' We often avoid being too direct to remain polite. This phrase comes from the word conceive, meaning to form an idea. It has a long history in philosophy and law. It suggests that if the human mind can imagine it, it might happen. It reflects a culture that values nuance over bluntness.
Common Variations
It’s conceivable that...(The slightly faster, more natural version)It is entirely conceivable that...(Adds more weight to the possibility)Is it conceivable that...?(The question form for gentle interrogation)It is not inconceivable that...(A double negative that actually means 'it's likely!')
Notas de uso
This phrase is firmly in the 'formal' category. Use it to sound professional or academic, but avoid it in casual settings unless you are trying to be funny or ironic.
The 'Double Negative' Trick
If you say 'It is not inconceivable,' you are actually saying something is quite likely! It's a sneaky way to sound very smart while being positive.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this in every sentence, you will sound like you are hiding something or lack confidence. Save it for the big points.
The British Politeness Shield
In British English, this is often used to tell someone they are wrong without actually saying the word 'wrong.' It's a very polite way to disagree.
Ejemplos
6It is conceivable that the deadline will need to be extended.
It is possible that the deadline will need to be extended.
Softens the blow of bad news about a schedule.
It is conceivable that he simply forgot his keys at the office.
It's possible he just left his keys at work.
Suggests a logical explanation without being certain.
It is conceivable that I might show up late if traffic is bad.
I might be late because of traffic.
Sounds a bit humorous and overly formal for a text.
It is conceivable that life exists on other planets in this galaxy.
It is possible for life to exist elsewhere.
Appropriate for academic or high-level intellectual discussion.
Is it conceivable that my son just needs a bit more help with math?
Could it be that my son needs more help?
A gentle, emotional way to ask for a favor or opinion.
It is conceivable that we could visit both cities in one week.
We might be able to see both cities.
Used to brainstorm possibilities during planning.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the hedging expression.
It is ___ that we will finish the project by Friday.
The adjective 'conceivable' is required after 'It is' to describe the possibility.
Which modal verb often follows 'It is conceivable that' to maintain the soft tone?
It is conceivable that the price ___ drop next month.
'Might' matches the uncertain and polite tone of the phrase perfectly.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Level of 'It is conceivable that'
Maybe / Could be
Maybe I'll go.
It's possible that
It's possible I'll go.
It is conceivable that
It is conceivable that I shall attend.
Where to use 'It is conceivable that'
Boardroom
Discussing market risks
Science Lab
Hypothesizing results
Courtroom
Suggesting an alternative theory
Polite Argument
Softening a disagreement
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasEssentially, yes, but it is much more formal. You would use maybe with friends and it is conceivable that in a report or a speech.
You can, but it might sound like you are being sarcastic or 'extra.' For example, It is conceivable that I will buy pizza sounds funny because it's so dramatic.
Usually, we use that followed by a full sentence. For example: It is conceivable that the plan will fail.
The opposite would be It is inconceivable that..., which means something is totally impossible or unthinkable.
Yes, it is used in American English, especially in professional, legal, or academic contexts. It's not just a British thing!
No, it's actually great for interviews! It makes you sound thoughtful and careful with your words, like in It is conceivable that I could lead this team.
Yes! You can say It is conceivable that they missed the train. It works for past, present, and future.
It's pronounced kən-SEE-və-bəl. The stress is on the second syllable: 'SEE'.
Frequently. Journalists use it to avoid making definitive claims that could lead to lawsuits, like It is conceivable that the senator knew about the deal.
Yes, It is possible that is the most common synonym. It is conceivable is just a more sophisticated, high-level version.
Frases relacionadas
Within the realm of possibility
Something that could happen, even if unlikely.
It stands to reason
Something that is logical or likely to be true.
Arguably
Used when you want to say something might be true but others might disagree.
For all we know
Used to suggest that our current information is limited.
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