“Is It Possible” Meaning & Other Ways to Say this Phrase

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to ask polite questions like “Would it be possible” & more
PDF download Download Article

“Is it possible” is a grammatically correct phrase and a polite way to ask if something can be done. You typically use this in professional and casual situations to make a question or request sound more respectful. In this article, we’ll explain how and when to use “Is it possible” and when you might want to say “Would it be possible,” instead. We’ll also tell you about some other ways to say “Is it possible,” too. Read on to learn more!

The Meaning of “Is it Possible”

“Is it possible” is a common English phrase that means you want to know if something can be done. It’s a polite way to ask a question that helps your request sound less demanding. “Would it be possible” is an even more polite and formal way to ask if something can be done.

Section 1 of 5:

“Is It Possible” Meaning and Grammar

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Is it possible” is a common, grammatically correct phrase and polite way to find out if something can be done or if it is achievable. It often leads to a discussion about different options that can get the thing done. For instance, you might ask a friend if it’s possible to move your dinner reservation to a different day because you have to stay late at work. [1]
    • “Is it possible to get dinner on Friday instead of Wednesday?”
    • “Is it possible for you to pick me up on your way to Mia’s house?”
    • Variation : “Is that possible” is a way to ask if something specific can be done that you were previously talking about. You often say this to confirm if the specific thing is possible to do.
      • “What about changing the decorations from pink to purple? Is that possible?”
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

When and How to Use “Is It Possible”

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Is it possible” is a polite and respectful way to ask a question, so it’s appropriate to use it in professional or casual conversations. For instance, write it in emails to coworkers to ask if they can meet with you or to suggest changes to a presentation. Or, say or text it to your friends to check about the possibility of something.
    • “Is it possible to change the layout of the presentation? I think it would be better to start with a short introduction.”
    • “Is it possible to finish the project by Friday? Ezra wants to know if we can push up our deadline.”
Section 3 of 5:

“Is it Possible” vs “Would it Be Possible”

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Would it be possible” essentially means the same thing as “Is it possible”—it’s another way for you to find out if there’s a chance of something happening or getting done. However, the addition of “Would” makes your question sound less direct or demanding and more polite and respectful. [2]
    • “Would” is a modal verb that implies the “something” you’re asking about is hypothetical, or might happen but it isn’t a reality. This makes your question sound less direct and thus more polite. [3]
    • “Is it possible” is usually reserved for asking about things that aren’t hypothetical—in other words, the thing you’re asking about exists.
    • Example : “Would it be possible to get a salad with my meal instead of bread?” vs “Is it possible to get a salad with my meal instead of bread?”
    • It’s common to add “would” in front of requests or commands to make them sound more respectful and pleasant. For instance, “Would you get me a glass of water” is more polite than “Get me a glass of water.”
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

When and How to Use “Would It Be Possible”

PDF download Download Article
  1. Because “Would it be possible” is a very polite way to ask a question, it’s appropriate to use it in formal situations with authority figures or people you don’t know well. For instance, you might say this to your boss to ask if you can leave work early. You can also say “Would it be possible” to your friends to make your request sound kinder and gentler. [4]
    • “Would it be possible to leave early on Friday? I’ll ensure all my work gets done before then.”
    • “Would it be possible for you to lower the volume of your music? It’s a bit loud.”
Section 5 of 5:

Other Ways to Say “Is It Possible”

PDF download Download Article
  1. Adding “if possible” to your question is a very polite way to make a request since you acknowledge that there’s a chance the person might not be able to fulfill it. An even more polite and formal way to make a request is to say, “If at all possible.” [5]
    • “If possible, could you stop by the store after work? We’re out of milk.”
  2. “Is there a chance” is another considerate way to ask if something can be done. With this phrase, you’re asking someone if there’s a high or low likelihood of them being able to fulfill your request.
    • “Is there a chance you could get those project reports to me by Monday? There are a few things I want to review before the meeting.”
  3. If you want to know if something can be done easily or conveniently, use this phrase. “Is it feasible” means almost the same thing as “Is it possible,” except you’re usually asking about how difficult or practical it would be for the person to fulfill your request. So, it’s a polite way to ensure the person won’t be inconvenienced.
    • “Is it feasible for you to take on more responsibilities at work? I know you’re already involved in a lot of projects.”
  4. Use this phrase when you want to know if something can be done or completed successfully. You might be more likely to see this phrase used in professional or business communications, as it is often a way to ask if a goal or project is doable.
    • “Is it achievable to reach our production goals earlier this year? I want our team to do better than last year.”
  5. “Is it likely” is another respectful way to ask someone if it’s possible to do something. You usually ask this when you want to understand how probable it is for your request to be fulfilled.
    • “Is it likely that you’ll be able to come to my party? I want to make sure I have enough food for everyone.”
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • “How is it possible” is a way to ask someone to explain how something can be done or happen. For instance, if you got assigned a lot of homework to do over the weekend, you might ask your friend, “How is it possible to get all this homework done by Monday?”
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use i.e. Correctly (With Examples)
      How to
      Abbreviate Years: A Writing Guide
      Is It James' or James's?
      How to
      Use “Respectively” in Your Writing: A Complete Guide
      How to
      Use Contractions
      How to
      Improve Your Grammar
      How to
      Change a Verb to a Noun
      How to
      Use "Etc." Correctly
      How to
      Use "Too" and "To" Correctly
      Should You Use “He and I” or “Him and I” in a Sentence?
      Is “Looking Forward to Seeing You” Grammatically Correct?
      How to
      Identify an Adjective
      How to
      Use Italics to Add Emphasis to Your Writing
      What Does "In Queue" Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/possible
      2. ↑ https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/would-it-be-possible-for-somebody-to-do-something
      3. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/would
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/2WsWIaWq1Ck?feature=shared&t=158
      5. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20%28at%20all%29%20possible

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 223 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement