it was possible that vs it was possible to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'It was possible that' is used to introduce a possibility or a situation that could have happened in the past, while 'it was possible to' is used to indicate the ability or opportunity to do something.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1101 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a possibility or a situation that could have happened in the past.

"it was possible that"

This phrase is used to express a potential situation or outcome that could have occurred in the past. It is often followed by a verb phrase or a clause.

Examples:

It was possible that he had already left when we arrived.
It was possible that she forgot about the meeting.
It was possible that the package got lost in the mail.

Show examples from the web [+]

The opening decision also found that it was possible that electricity distributors received state aid.
Naturally, we too asked how it was possible that the estimates which formed the basis of our legislation had been exceeded tenfold.
I wanted to believe that it was possible that someone could see the love and the care that I could give a child, despite my diagnosis.
In the early '70s, Roger Payne and an ocean acoustician published a theoretical paper pointing out that it was possible that sound could transmit over these large areas, but very few biologists believed it.
It was possible that the Germans were just bluffing us.
It was possible that Matty had green shoes, but green seemed more Jake's color.
However, it was possible that in some regions this could create competitive disadvantages for traditional producers specialising in fruit and vegetables.
I was just wondering if it was possible that you were A... fanboy of a certain celebrity client.
Indeed, should measures be allowed to lapse, it was possible that production in Europe would be moved back to Singapore.
However, it was possible that it could have worked; there was potential.
Mr. BERRY (WE-FILE13), an Irish policyholder, asked how it was possible that the Equitable, in its circumstances, could be allowed to write new business (in Ireland) as late as April 2000.
But I think she did consider that it was possible that it could be this other guy.
I was very skeptical about the timer. I really did not think it was possible that a watch to tell me like that.
Given that the French State could be considered to be responsible for the Aero 2008 guarantee, it was possible that the measure may constitute State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) TFEU.
As set out in the extension Decision [21], the Commission took the view that it was possible that France had granted aid to Crédit Mutuel through the brokerage commission.
We also said that it was possible that, in the Doha negotiations, the results of which were then unknown, those taxes could fall to EUR 79 per tonne.
Is the EU prepared to investigate how it was possible that Mr Ging apparently spread misleading information concerning the supposed attack on this UNRWA school and whether this was politically motivated?
In its initiating decision of September 2006, the Commission said that given the specific position of PI, it was possible that no standard of comparison would be available on the market.
In addition, given the specific position of PI, which was obliged by law to deposit with the State the money collected in its customers' current accounts, it was possible that no standard of comparison would be available on the market.
If it was possible that we had a chance for an interview, it would definitely be breaking news!

Alternatives:

It might have been that
There was a chance that
It could have been that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the ability or opportunity to do something.

"it was possible to"

This phrase is used to express the capability or opportunity to perform an action. It is often followed by a verb.

Examples:

It was possible to reach the summit before nightfall.
It was possible to fix the issue with a simple adjustment.
It was possible to book the tickets online.

Show examples from the web [+]

Very important people who weren't convinced it was possible to run an operation like this.
A week ago it was possible to buy a painkiller on the black market.
I reprogrammed the simulation so it was possible to rescue the ship.
Even Bunny, it was possible to fold him into our life here.
I am also delighted that it was possible to reach agreement on other important appointments.
He said it was possible to fix up the old place.
Few people believed that it was possible to reunify Germany.
Twin brothers died together, and it was possible to perform autopsies on both.
Never thought it was possible to hurt yourself with a wet wipe.
I didn't think it was possible to miss this bucket.
Last year it was possible to bring unemployment down to 10 %.
Now it was possible to make it on Earth, scientists became deeply curious.
I never believed it was possible to love two people at one time.
I didn't think it was possible to miss this bucket.
So, it was possible to get enough food.
Eventually it was possible to find a really satisfactory solution.
After fierce negotiation, it was possible to sign an economic partnership agreement with Mexico on 8 December.
Fortunately, this time it was possible to avert a tragedy.
More than I thought it was possible to hate anyone.
I didn't know it was possible to worry so much about someone.

Alternatives:

It was feasible to
It was achievable to
It was within the realm of possibility to

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it was possible that vs it was possible to