if possible
When circumstances allow
If possible is a phrase that softens a request or expresses a conditional preference, acknowledging that circumstances may not permit what's being asked.
It signals flexibility and politeness: Could you finish the report by Friday, if possible?
The phrase can also modify statements about future actions or outcomes: We'll try to arrive early, if possible.
Sometimes shortened to if poss in casual writing.
Expression of uncertainty
- perhapsExpressing uncertainty
- mightGreat physical strength
- could beExpresses possibility
- uncertainNot firmly known
doubtful · questionable · unclear · up in the air · iffy · touch and go · unpredictable · indeterminate
Alternative if primary fails
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- alternativeAnother available choice
- precautionPreventive safety measure
- safeguardPrecaution against harm
provision · preparation · Plan B · safety net · insurance · hedge · reserve · failsafe
Conditional conjunction phrase
- on conditionDependent on requirements
- assumingAccepting as true unverified
- given thatAcknowledging a premise
- subject toConditionally governed by
contingent upon · stipulation · prerequisite · qualification · caveat · terms · pending · barring
Based on hypothesis, untested
- supposingConjecture as premise
- assumingAccepting as true unverified
- what ifWords introducing a hypothesis
- imagineForm mental pictures
in theory · conceivably · potentially · let's say · hypothetically · speculative · conjectural · thought experiment
maybe
Expression of uncertainty
uncertain · doubtful · questionable · unclear · up in the air · iffy · touch and go · unpredictable · indeterminate · tentative
backup plan
Alternative if primary fails
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- alternativeAnother available choice
- precautionPreventive safety measure
safeguard · provision · preparation · Plan B · safety net · insurance · hedge · reserve · failsafe · workaround
provided that
Conditional conjunction phrase
- on conditionDependent on requirements
- assumingAccepting as true unverified
- given thatAcknowledging a premise
subject to · contingent upon · stipulation · prerequisite · qualification · caveat · terms · pending · barring · unless
theoretical
Based on hypothesis, untested
- supposingConjecture as premise
- assumingAccepting as true unverified
- what ifWords introducing a hypothesis
imagine · in theory · conceivably · potentially · let's say · hypothetically · speculative · conjectural · thought experiment · counterfactual
- asking for helpplease help, help me, lend a hand, help wanted, SOS
- Possibilitymaybe, perhaps, could, might, may
if possibleno matter what
In every possible case
at all costs · by any means necessary · without fail · mandatory · required
if possibledefinitely
With complete certainty
certainly · guaranteed · for sure · assuredly · without question
possible, impossible, possibly, possibility, impossibly, impossibility, impossibilities