envisageable

§ Don't confuse with 'possible' or 'probable'

While 'envisageable' translates to 'conceivable' or 'foreseeable', it's not a direct synonym for 'possible' or 'probable'. 'Possible' simply means something can happen, regardless of whether you've thought about it. 'Probable' suggests a likelihood. 'Envisageable' implies that something has been considered or can be brought to mind as a potential option.

Incorrect

Il est possible qu'il vienne. (It is possible that he comes.) - Here, 'possible' is correct, not 'envisageable', unless you specifically mean 'it is conceivable that he comes' in the sense that you've thought about that option.

In this case, it means the scenario hasn't been, or can't be, thought of as a real option. If you just wanted to say it's not possible, you'd use 'impossible'.

§ Using 'envisageable' with things that aren't abstract concepts

'Envisageable' is best used for abstract concepts, plans, scenarios, or outcomes. You wouldn't typically use it for concrete objects or simple actions that don't involve a degree of thought or planning.

Incorrect

Cette chaise est envisageable. (This chair is conceivable.) - This doesn't make sense. A chair simply 'is'. You wouldn't contemplate or foresee a chair in the same way you would a plan.

Here, 'solution' is an abstract concept that can be thought of or planned for.

§ Overusing 'envisageable' when simpler words suffice

Sometimes, English speakers learning French might reach for a more complex word when a simpler one would do. While 'envisageable' is useful, don't force it into sentences where 'possible', 'faisable' (doable), or even 'acceptable' would be more natural.

• 'Possible': For general possibility.
• 'Faisable': For something that can be done or achieved.
• 'Acceptable': For something that is considered okay or agreeable.

Better if asking about simple possibility:

Est-ce possible de partir demain? (Is it possible to leave tomorrow?)

§ Incorrect grammatical gender

'Envisageable' is an adjective, and like many adjectives in French, its form remains the same whether the noun it modifies is masculine or feminine. It does, however, change for number (singular/plural).

• Un plan envisageable (A conceivable plan - masculine singular)
• Une solution envisageable (A conceivable solution - feminine singular)
• Des projets envisageables (Conceivable projects - masculine plural)
• Des options envisageables (Conceivable options - feminine plural)

The most common mistake would be trying to add an 'e' for feminine singular nouns, which isn't necessary for adjectives ending in '-able'.