Explanation at your level:
If something is possible, you can do it. It is not 'no'. It is 'yes, maybe'. You can say: 'Is it possible to open the window?' It is a very useful word for you.
Use possible when you talk about things that might happen. For example, 'It is possible that it will rain today.' It means there is a chance. It is not certain, but it could happen.
In this level, you use possible to discuss options. 'What are the possible results of this test?' It helps you express uncertainty in a polite way. You can also use 'as soon as possible' to show you need something done quickly.
At this stage, you use possible to speculate about the past or future. 'It is possible that he missed the train.' You also learn to contrast it with 'impossible' to create stronger arguments in your writing or speech.
Advanced learners use possible in complex structures like 'the only possible explanation' or 'the least possible delay'. It is used to qualify statements and add nuance to academic or professional discussions, distinguishing between theoretical and practical possibilities.
At the mastery level, possible is used to explore philosophical concepts of potentiality versus actuality. You might analyze the 'possible worlds' theory in logic or literature. It serves as a cornerstone for nuanced debate, allowing for the expression of subtle degrees of probability and potentiality.
30秒でわかる単語
- Possible means something can happen.
- It is the middle ground between certain and impossible.
- It is used in both formal and casual English.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'as soon as possible'.
When we say something is possible, we are talking about potential. It is the bridge between a dream and reality. If you think it can happen, then it is possible.
Think of it as the open door of logic. It doesn't mean it will happen, just that the circumstances allow for it. Whether you are talking about winning a game or solving a math problem, 'possible' is the word you use to keep hope alive.
The word possible comes from the Old French word possible, which traces back to the Latin possibilis. This Latin root comes from posse, meaning 'to be able'.
It is a cousin to the word 'power'. Historically, it has always been about the capacity to act. It entered English in the 14th century, evolving from its original Latin sense of 'that which can be done' into the versatile adjective we use today.
You will hear possible used in almost every situation. We often use it with 'as... as possible' to show urgency, like 'as soon as possible'.
It works well in both casual and formal settings. In business, you might say 'a possible solution,' while in casual talk, you might say 'is it possible to go?' It is a very neutral, high-frequency word.
1. Anything is possible: Used to express optimism. 2. As soon as possible (ASAP): Do it quickly. 3. The best/worst possible: Used for emphasis. 4. Possible outcome: A likely result. 5. Make it possible: To provide the means for something to happen.
Possible is an adjective. It is pronounced /ˈpɒsəbl/ in British English and /ˈpɑːsəbl/ in American English. It rhymes with 'tossable' and 'crossable'.
It is often followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., 'It is possible to swim'). Note that we do not say 'it is possible that he to go'; we use 'that' clauses instead.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'power' and 'potent'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'o' sound, soft 's', clear 'bl' at the end.
Open 'ah' sound, clear 's', light 'bl'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 's' as 'z'
- Dropping the final 'l'
- Stressing the wrong syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to pronounce
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Infinitive structures
It is possible to go.
That clauses
It is possible that he went.
Adjective usage
A possible solution.
Examples by Level
Is it possible to sit here?
Can I sit here?
Question form
It is possible.
Yes, it can happen.
Short answer
Is it possible?
Can it happen?
Interrogative
Everything is possible.
Anything can happen.
Subject-verb
That is possible.
That can be true.
Demonstrative
Is it possible to go now?
Can we leave?
Infinitive
It is not possible.
No, it cannot happen.
Negation
Make it possible.
Help it happen.
Imperative
It is possible that we will go.
Is it possible to call him?
I want the best possible seat.
It is the only possible way.
Is that possible?
It is possible to learn fast.
Anything is possible today.
Make it possible for me.
It is possible that he forgot.
We need the best possible result.
Is it possible to reschedule?
Everything is possible if you try.
That is a possible solution.
Try to arrive as soon as possible.
Is it possible for you to help?
A possible delay is expected.
It is entirely possible that he is right.
We must consider all possible outcomes.
The least possible amount of effort.
Is it possible to have made a mistake?
It is the best possible scenario.
It is possible to view this differently.
There is a possible link between them.
Keep your options as open as possible.
The theory remains a possible explanation.
We must minimize any possible risk.
It is barely possible to see the shore.
The possible consequences are severe.
A possible interpretation of the text.
We explored every possible avenue.
It is possible that he was misinformed.
The possible benefits outweigh the costs.
His return is a distinct, if not likely, possibility.
The possible worlds of science fiction.
We must account for every possible contingency.
It is possible that the truth lies elsewhere.
The possible ramifications are endless.
A possible shift in the paradigm.
It is possible to interpret this as irony.
The only possible conclusion is success.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"Anything is possible"
Hope for success
Don't give up; anything is possible!
neutral"As soon as possible"
Immediately
Send the report as soon as possible.
neutral"The best possible"
The highest quality
We gave the best possible care.
neutral"Make it possible"
Enable
Your donation made it possible.
neutral"Within the realm of possibility"
Could happen
Winning is within the realm of possibility.
formalEasily Confused
Both relate to chance
Possible = can happen; Probable = likely to happen
It is possible to win, but not probable.
Both mean future possibility
Potential is often a noun or adjective for latent ability
He has potential.
Both mean 'can be done'
Feasible is specifically about practicality
The plan is feasible.
Direct opposite
Impossible = cannot happen
It is impossible to fly.
Sentence Patterns
It is possible to [verb]
It is possible to learn.
Is it possible that [clause]?
Is it possible that he knows?
The best possible [noun]
The best possible result.
As [adjective] as possible
As soon as possible.
It is barely possible
It is barely possible to see.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Do not mix infinitive and clause structures.
Use the infinitive after 'possible'.
Possible is absolute; use 'more likely' for probability.
Possible is a gradable adjective in some contexts, but 'quite' is more natural.
Check subject-verb agreement.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a 'Possible' box where you put things you can do.
Native Speakers
We use it to show we are being realistic.
Cultural Insight
Americans often use 'anything is possible' as a motivational phrase.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb or 'that' + clause.
Say It Right
Focus on the 's' sound, not 'z'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'more possible'.
Did You Know?
It comes from the same root as 'power'.
Study Smart
Write 5 sentences about your day using 'possible'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
POSS-ible: POSSess the ability to do it.
Visual Association
A door slightly ajar, showing light inside.
Word Web
チャレンジ
List 3 things you think are possible today.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: To be able
文化的な背景
None
Used frequently in professional and casual settings to manage expectations.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- Is this possible?
- As soon as possible
- Possible solution
school
- Is it possible to extend?
- Possible answer
- Possible grade
travel
- Is it possible to change?
- Possible route
- As soon as possible
daily life
- Anything is possible
- Is it possible?
- That is possible
Conversation Starters
"What do you think is possible for you to achieve this year?"
"Is it possible to learn a language in a month?"
"Do you believe anything is possible?"
"What is the best possible way to spend a weekend?"
"Is it possible to live without a phone?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you made something possible.
List three things that are possible for you to do tomorrow.
Describe a dream that seems impossible but might be possible.
How do you feel when you hear 'anything is possible'?
よくある質問
8 問No, possible means it can happen; probable means it is likely to happen.
Start with 'Is it possible to...'
It is better to say 'quite possible' or 'highly possible'.
Possibility.
No, it is an adjective.
Yes, the ending sounds similar.
Usually for events or actions, not people.
It is neutral and used everywhere.
自分をテスト
Is it ___ to go now?
Possible fits the context of asking for permission.
What does 'possible' mean?
Possible means it has the potential to happen.
'Impossible' is the opposite of 'possible'.
Adding 'im-' makes it negative.
Word
意味
ASAP is the common abbreviation.
Standard question structure.
スコア： /5
Summary
If you can imagine it, it is possible!
- Possible means something can happen.
- It is the middle ground between certain and impossible.
- It is used in both formal and casual English.
- Commonly used in the phrase 'as soon as possible'.
Memory Palace
Imagine a 'Possible' box where you put things you can do.
Native Speakers
We use it to show we are being realistic.
Cultural Insight
Americans often use 'anything is possible' as a motivational phrase.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb or 'that' + clause.
例文
Is it possible to get a glass of water?
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