Cool MateIs it possible vs Is there any possibility
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Is it possible
Top 2,000 (common)
Is there any possibility
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Is it possible
| Is it possible | Is there any possibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪz ɪt ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //ɪz ɪt ˈpɑːsəbl// | 🇬🇧 //ɪz ðɛər ˈɛni pəˈsɪbɪlɪti//🇺🇸 //ɪz ðɛr ˈɛni pəˈsɪbɪləti// |
| Meaning | Can this happen? | Is there a chance? |
| Example | Is it possible to finish this project by Friday? | Is there any possibility that we will finish on time? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | possible outcome, possible solution, possible exception | any possibility of success, any possibility of delay, any possibility of change, any possibility for improvement, any possibility of agreement |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'isn't it possible?', Omitting 'it' in the question, Using 'are' instead of 'is' with singular possibilities | Omitting 'any' – it should be 'Is there any possibility?', Confusing with 'Is there a possibility?' – specifying 'any' changes emphasis, Using inappropriately in casual conversations – better suited for more serious discussions |
| Usage notes | Use in both formal and informal conversations when questioning feasibility. Avoid in rhetorical contexts. | Use in questions when asking about potential or likelihood. Suitable in both formal and informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Is it possible vs Is there any possibility
What's the difference between Is it possible and Is there any possibility?
Is it possible: Can this happen? Is there any possibility: Is there a chance?
Which is more common: Is it possible and Is there any possibility?
Is it possible is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Is it possible: Is it possible to finish this project by Friday? Is there any possibility: Is there any possibility that we will finish on time?
Can I use Is it possible and Is there any possibility interchangeably?
Not always. Is it possible and Is there any possibility are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.