possibly

possibly — adverb

1. used to show that something may be the case, may happen, or may fit, although th

1.adverbA2
Definition

used to show that something may be the case, may happen, or may fit, although the speaker is unsure.

Example

Possibly the last bus has already left the station.

sentence opener: possibly + clause

Rina is possibly the youngest player on the team.

before a complement after be

Common collocations
  • possibly true
  • possibly happen
  • possibly the last
  • possibly hidden
Synonyms
  • perhaps

    very close in meaning, but often sounds a little more neutral or written

  • maybe

    more conversational in everyday speech

  • conceivably

    more formal and usually suggests a more distant possibility

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

possibly + clause

subject + possibly + verb

be + possibly + complement

Usage Note

Often comes before the whole clause or just before the word being judged. Distinguish from adverb/2, where 'possibly' works as a short reply rather than inside a full statement.

Common Mistakes

Possibly maybe the train is late.
Possibly the train is late.
do not stack two uncertainty adverbs in the same place.

2. said when giving a doubtful yes or no, because you do not want to sound fully su

2.adverbB1
Definition

said when giving a doubtful yes or no, because you do not want to sound fully sure.

Example

"Is the cafe still open?" "Possibly, if the owner stayed late."

short answer showing uncertainty

"Did Eva take the blue folder?" "Possibly not; Liam checked her desk."

pattern: possibly not

Common collocations
  • possibly not
  • possibly, but
  • possibly, though
  • possibly yes
Synonyms
  • maybe

    common in speech for a hesitant answer, especially in casual conversation

  • perhaps

    possible here, but less usual as a direct short reply

Antonyms
  • definitely

    gives a firm answer with no visible doubt

  • certainly

    sounds confident rather than hesitant

Grammar Patterns

possibly

possibly not

possibly, but + clause

Usage Note

Usually stands alone or is followed by 'not' or 'but'. Distinguish from adverb/1, which comments on a whole statement instead of answering someone directly.

Common Mistakes

Possibly the answer is yes.
Possibly.' / 'Possibly yes, but I am not sure.
this reply sense usually stands alone or has only a short follow-up.

3. used after modal forms such as can, could, can't, and couldn't to make an idea o

3.adverbB2
Definition

used after modal forms such as can, could, can't, and couldn't to make an idea of possibility or impossibility feel much stronger.

Example

How could Noah possibly carry that sofa upstairs alone?

surprised question: could + possibly

We can't possibly print 500 tickets before noon today.

strong negative: can't possibly + verb

Common collocations
  • can't possibly
  • could possibly
  • possibly can
  • possibly finish
Synonyms
  • ever

    often replaces 'possibly' in surprised questions, especially in conversation

  • really

    can add emotional force, but it is broader and more informal

  • conceivably

    formal in statements about possibility, but uncommon in strong everyday questions

Grammar Patterns

how can/could + subject + possibly + verb

can't/couldn't possibly + verb

do everything + subject + possibly can

Usage Note

Most common after can, could, can't, or couldn't. Distinguish from adverb/4 and adverb/5: this sense strengthens possibility or impossibility, rather than making a request or politely refusing an offer.

Common Mistakes

Could you possibly open the window?' (when you mean surprise)
How could you possibly open it without a key?
in adverb/3, 'possibly' strengthens can/could; polite requests belong to adverb/4.

4. used mainly with could to make a request sound more careful and polite.

4.adverbB1
Definition

used mainly with could to make a request sound more careful and polite.

Example

Could you possibly email the map before the train leaves?

polite request: could you possibly + verb

Could I possibly borrow your phone for one quick call?

polite self-request: could I possibly + verb

Common collocations
  • could you possibly
  • could I possibly
  • possibly borrow
  • possibly hold
Synonyms
  • please

    adds politeness, but it does not replace the modal pattern with 'could'

  • perhaps

    can soften a request too, though it is less fixed in this pattern

  • kindly

    more formal and more common in written instructions

Grammar Patterns

could you possibly + verb

could I possibly + verb

could + noun phrase + possibly + verb

Usage Note

Normally used with 'could', not 'can', when you want to sound especially polite. Distinguish from adverb/3, where the focus is strong feeling about possibility, not asking someone to do something.

Common Mistakes

Can you possibly send me the file?
Could you possibly send me the file?
'could' is usually the more polite choice in this request pattern.

5. used, especially as couldn't possibly, to refuse an offer in a very polite way.

5.adverbB2
Definition

used, especially as couldn't possibly, to refuse an offer in a very polite way.

Example

Thanks, but I couldn't possibly take your last sandwich.

polite refusal: couldn't possibly + verb

Mrs. Ito said she couldn't possibly stay for dessert tonight.

Common collocations
  • couldn't possibly take
  • couldn't possibly stay
  • couldn't possibly accept
  • I couldn't possibly
Synonyms
  • sorry

    often begins a polite refusal, but it does not carry the same modal pattern

  • afraid

    common in 'I'm afraid I can't', another polite way to refuse

Grammar Patterns

couldn't possibly + verb

I couldn't possibly

subject + couldn't possibly + accept/take/stay

Usage Note

Most often appears as 'I couldn't possibly ...' after food, help, money, or invitations are offered. Distinguish from adverb/3, where 'couldn't possibly' simply means something is impossible, not a polite social refusal.

Common Mistakes

I couldn't possibly finish the report.
I couldn't possibly take your seat.
adverb/5 is for politely turning down an offer, not just saying a task is impossible.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

For simple uncertainty, 'possibly' is slightly more careful and a little more formal than 'maybe'. 'Perhaps' is very close in meaning, but it often sounds calmer or more neutral, especially in writing. 'Conceivably' is much rarer and usually suggests a more distant or abstract chance. 'Probably' is different because it shows a stronger belief that something is true. Compare: 'Possibly the train is delayed' sounds cautious, while 'Probably the train is delayed' means the speaker expects that to be the case. In conversation, 'Maybe Sara forgot' is natural and casual; 'Possibly Sara forgot' sounds more measured.

maybe ↗perhaps ↗conceivablyprobably ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • quite possibly
  • very possibly

Phrases

  • possibly not
  • could possibly
  • couldn't possibly
  • possibly yes

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

'Possibly' was formed in English by adding the adverb ending '-ly' to 'possible'. The older word 'possible' came into English through French from Latin 'possibilis', which meant 'able to be done' or 'able to happen'.