Possible vs Posible: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Possible vs posible is a spelling question with one clear answer in English: possible is correct, while posible is a misspelling. The correct form always contains a double s.

Possible is mainly an adjective. It describes something that can happen, exist, be done, or be true. For example, you might ask, “Is it possible to change the appointment?” or say, “Rain is possible this afternoon.”

The incorrect form posible often appears when a writer accidentally leaves out the second s. It may also look familiar to people who speak languages in which a similar word has only one s. However, English uses possible in both American and British spelling.

The rule is straightforward: whenever you are writing in English, spell the word p-o-s-s-i-b-l-e.

Quick Answer

Possible is the only correct spelling in standard English. It means that something can happen, can be done, may exist, or may be true.

• Correct: Is it possible to finish today?
• Correct: We considered every possible solution.
• Incorrect: Is it posible to finish today?

Always write possible with a double s.

Is “Possible” a Correct Word?

Yes. Possible is the correct English word. It means something can happen, exist, or be done. Posible is a misspelling and should not be used in standard English.

Which Is Stronger: “Possible” or “Probable”?

Probable is stronger than possible. Possible means something could happen, while probable means it is more likely to happen.

When Should You Use “Possible” vs. “Possibly”?

Use possible as an adjective to describe a noun, such as a possible solution. Use possibly as an adverb to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb, such as She could possibly arrive early.

Is It “Possible” or “Possable”?

Possible is the correct spelling. Possable is a common misspelling and is not considered standard English.

Why People Confuse Them

Writers commonly confuse these forms for three reasons.

First, the double s may not sound especially clear in speech. When possible is pronounced naturally, listeners hear one continuous s sound rather than two separate sounds.

Second, English contains many words with only one s between vowels. A learner may therefore spell the word according to its pronunciation instead of remembering its established written form.

Finally, posible is a correct spelling in Spanish. Bilingual writers may accidentally transfer the Spanish spelling into an English sentence. That does not make it correct in English.

Compare:

• English: possible
• Spanish: posible

When writing an English sentence, use the English spelling with two s’s.

Key Differences At A Glance

Context	Best Choice	Why
Standard English	Possible	It is the correct spelling
American English	Possible	US spelling uses a double s
British English	Possible	The spelling is the same
Academic writing	Possible	Posible is an error
Professional communication	Possible	It is the only standard form
Something that can happen	Possible	Correct meaning and spelling
Something that may be true	Possible	Correct adjective
Spanish-language writing	Posible may be correct	Spanish uses one s
English-language writing	Never posible	It is not the English spelling

A compact comparison:

• Possible: Correct English spelling
• Posible: Incorrect in English
• Meaning of possible: Able to happen, exist, be done, or be true

Meaning And Usage Difference

There is no meaning difference between these forms in English because posible is not a standard English word.

Possible describes something that:

• can happen
• can be done
• may exist
• may be true
• may become real
• can be considered or chosen

Examples:

• It is possible to complete the work today.
• Heavy rain is possible tonight.
• We considered every possible explanation.
• Is it possible that she forgot?
• The team wants the best possible result.

In every example, changing possible to posible would create a spelling error.

What Does Possible Mean?

The word possible has several closely related meanings.

Able To Be Done

Use possible when an action or goal can be completed or achieved.

• Is it possible to repair the computer?
• Finishing the project today is possible.
• Remote work makes this arrangement possible.
• We want to complete the move as quickly as possible.
• The new equipment made faster production possible.

In these examples, possible is close in meaning to achievable, workable, or feasible.

Able To Happen

Use possible when an event may occur.

• Snow is possible this weekend.
• A delay is possible during rush hour.
• Further changes are possible.
• Power outages are possible during the storm.
• The company is preparing for every possible outcome.

The word does not mean that the event will definitely happen. It only means that the event can happen.

Perhaps True

Possible can describe an explanation, answer, or statement that may be true.

• That is one possible explanation.
• Is it possible that the email went to your spam folder?
• Police are investigating several possible motives.
• We discussed every possible cause of the problem.
• It is possible that the schedule will change.

The word shows uncertainty rather than certainty.

Suitable For Consideration

A person, place, plan, or object can be described as a possible choice.

• She is a possible candidate for the position.
• We found three possible locations for the event.
• Friday is a possible date for the meeting.
• The committee discussed two possible solutions.
• This building could be a possible site for the new office.

Here, possible means that something is available or suitable for consideration.

The Greatest Degree That Can Be Achieved

The word often appears after a superlative or similar expression:

• the best possible result
• the highest possible score
• the lowest possible price
• the shortest possible route
• the earliest possible date
• the safest possible method

Examples:

• We want the best possible outcome.
• Please respond at the earliest possible time.
• The company aims to provide the highest possible quality.
• Take the shortest possible route.
• The doctors selected the safest possible treatment.

In these expressions, possible defines the limit of what can be achieved.

Is Posible Ever Correct?

Posible is not correct in standard English. It should be changed to possible in English-language writing.

Incorrect:

• Is it posible to reschedule?
• We need the best posible solution.
• A storm is posible tonight.
• Please reply as soon as posible.

Correct:

• Is it possible to reschedule?
• We need the best possible solution.
• A storm is possible tonight.
• Please reply as soon as possible.

However, posible is a valid word in Spanish. If you are writing a Spanish sentence, the one-s spelling may be appropriate. This language difference is one reason bilingual writers sometimes confuse the forms.

For English:

Possible is correct. Posible is incorrect.

Pronunciation Of Possible

In American English, possible is pronounced approximately:

PAH-suh-buhl

It has three syllables:

• PAH
• suh
• buhl

The first syllable carries the main stress.

The double s does not create two separate sounds. That is why pronunciation alone may not help you remember the spelling. You need to remember the written pattern:

p-o-s-s-i-b-l-e

Both American and British English use the same spelling, although the first vowel may sound slightly different in different accents.

Tone, Context, And Formality

Possible is a neutral standard word. It works in formal, professional, academic, and informal English.

Formal And Academic Writing

• The study offers a possible explanation for the results.
• Researchers considered all possible variables.
• Further investigation is possible.
• The report identifies several possible causes.

Professional Communication

• Is it possible to move the meeting to Tuesday?
• Please respond as soon as possible.
• We are exploring every possible solution.
• The earliest possible delivery date is August 15.

Everyday Conversation

• Is it possible to get another ticket?
• I’ll arrive as early as possible.
• Rain is possible later.
• Anything is possible.

The spelling does not change with formality. Posible remains incorrect even in casual text messages and social posts.

Which One Should You Use?

Always use possible in English.

Choose possible when you mean:

• something can happen
• something can be done
• an idea may be true
• a person may be selected
• a location may be suitable
• an outcome may occur
• a goal can be achieved

Never choose posible in an English sentence.

Correct:

• Is remote work possible?
• We examined every possible option.
• She is a possible replacement.
• Call me as soon as possible.

Incorrect:

• Is remote work posible?
• We examined every posible option.
• She is a posible replacement.
• Call me as soon as posible.

Common Grammar Patterns With Possible

Learning the most common sentence patterns can help you use the word naturally.

It Is Possible To Plus Verb

Use this pattern to say that an action can be completed.

It is possible to + base verb

Examples:

• It is possible to finish the assignment today.
• Is it possible to change the reservation?
• It may be possible to repair the damage.
• It is not possible to predict every result.

The verb after to stays in its base form.

Correct:

• It is possible to complete the work.

Incorrect:

• It is possible to completed the work.

It Is Possible That Plus Clause

Use this structure when something may be true or may happen.

It is possible that + subject + verb

Examples:

• It is possible that the flight will be delayed.
• Is it possible that he forgot the appointment?
• It is possible that prices will increase.
• It is possible that we misunderstood the instructions.

Possible For Someone To Do Something

Use for when identifying the person who can perform the action.

It is possible for + person + to + verb

Examples:

• Is it possible for me to apply online?
• It is possible for students to complete the course remotely.
• Would it be possible for you to call tomorrow?
• It may be possible for the team to finish early.

A Possible Plus Noun

Place possible before a noun to describe a potential choice, event, or explanation.

• a possible answer
• a possible cause
• a possible solution
• a possible delay
• a possible candidate
• a possible location

Examples:

• We found a possible solution.
• The doctor identified a possible cause.
• She is a possible candidate for the job.

As Soon As Possible

As soon as possible means at the earliest practical time.

• Please call me as soon as possible.
• We need to solve the problem as soon as possible.
• The package will be delivered as soon as possible.

The common abbreviation is ASAP, but the full phrase often sounds more polished in formal communication.

If Possible

If possible means if circumstances allow.

• Please arrive early, if possible.
• Use natural light whenever possible.
• Avoid driving during the storm if possible.
• I would like a window seat, if possible.

As Much As Possible

This phrase means to the greatest practical amount or degree.

• Try to rest as much as possible.
• Reduce unnecessary expenses as much as possible.
• We recycled as much material as possible.
• Keep the explanation as simple as possible.

Possible vs Possibly

Possible is usually an adjective. Possibly is an adverb.

Use possible to describe a noun or condition:

• A delay is possible.
• That is a possible explanation.
• Is it possible to leave early?

Use possibly to modify a verb, adjective, adverb, or entire statement:

• The flight could possibly be delayed.
• This is possibly the best solution.
• Could you possibly help me?

Incorrect:

• The flight will possible be delayed.

Correct:

• The flight will possibly be delayed.

Or:

• A flight delay is possible.

Possible vs Probable

Possible means something can happen. Probable means it is likely to happen.

• A thunderstorm is possible: It could occur.
• A thunderstorm is probable: It is more likely than not to occur.

Compare:

• Winning is possible, but it may be unlikely.
• Winning is probable because our team has a strong advantage.

Something can be possible without being probable.

Possible vs Impossible

Impossible is the opposite of possible.

• Possible: It can happen or be done.
• Impossible: It cannot happen or be done.

Examples:

• Completing the hike in one day is possible.
• Completing it in five minutes is impossible.
• The task looked impossible, but the team found a solution.
• Nothing is impossible to imagine, although not everything is possible to achieve.

Both words contain a double s:

• possible
• impossible

Remembering impossible can help you spell possible correctly.

When Posible Looks Wrong

In A School Assignment

Incorrect:

• It is posible to solve the equation in two ways.

Correct:

• It is possible to solve the equation in two ways.

In A Professional Email

Incorrect:

• Please respond as soon as posible.

Correct:

• Please respond as soon as possible.

In A Business Report

Incorrect:

• We considered every posible outcome.

Correct:

• We considered every possible outcome.

In An Application

Incorrect:

• I would like the earliest posible interview date.

Correct:

• I would like the earliest possible interview date.

In A Social Media Post

Incorrect:

• Anything is posible if you keep trying.

Correct:

• Anything is possible if you keep trying.

Casual writing does not make the one-s spelling acceptable in English.

Common Mistakes And Quick Fixes

Mistake: Using One S

Incorrect:

• Is it posible?

Correct:

• Is it possible?

Quick fix: Add the missing second s.

Mistake: Possable

Incorrect:

• Is a refund possable?

Correct:

• Is a refund possible?

The ending is -ible, not -able.

Mistake: Possibile

Incorrect:

• A better result is possibile.

Correct:

• A better result is possible.

Do not add an extra i before the final syllable.

Mistake: Possibl

Incorrect:

• Is that possibl?

Correct:

• Is that possible?

The word ends in -ble, including a final silent e.

Mistake: Posibly

Incorrect:

• She will posibly arrive later.

Correct:

• She will possibly arrive later.

The adverb possibly also contains a double s.

Mistake: Possibility With One S

Incorrect:

• There is a posibility of rain.

Correct:

• There is a possibility of rain.

Related words retain the double s:

• possible
• possibly
• possibility
• possibilities
• impossible
• impossibility

Everyday Examples

Possible In Questions

Is it possible to change my order?

Would it be possible to meet tomorrow?

Is a refund possible?

Could this be a possible solution?

Is it possible that we have the wrong address?

What is the earliest possible appointment?

Would remote participation be possible?

Is it possible for children to attend?

Possible In Statements

Anything is possible with enough preparation.

Rain is possible this evening.

We considered every possible option.

She achieved the highest possible score.

The team completed the work as quickly as possible.

That is one possible explanation.

A schedule change is still possible.

The new design makes faster production possible.

We selected the safest possible route.

He is a possible candidate for the position.

Possible In Requests

Please reply as soon as possible.

Send the final document today, if possible.

Keep the message as short as possible.

Could you arrive as early as possible?

Please avoid unnecessary delays whenever possible.

Make the instructions as clear as possible.

Dictionary-Style Word Details

Verb

• Possible: Not normally used as a verb in standard modern English.
• Posible: Not a standard English verb.

Use verbs such as enable, allow, achieve, or make possible instead.

Correct:

• The new funding will make the project possible.
• The software enables remote access.

Avoid inventing verb forms such as possibled.

Noun

• Possible: Occasionally functions as a noun, usually meaning a possible person, choice, or outcome.
• Posible: Not a standard English noun.

Examples:

• The coach listed three possibles for the starting position.
• We examined all the possibles before deciding.

This noun use is less common than the adjective. In many sentences, possibilities, candidates, or options will sound clearer.

Adjective

• Possible: Able to happen, exist, be done, or be true.
• Posible: Incorrect English spelling.

Examples:

• A delay is possible.
• We need a possible solution.
• Is an earlier appointment possible?

Synonyms

Depending on context, close alternatives for possible include:

• achievable
• attainable
• feasible
• workable
• practical
• conceivable
• potential
• likely
• imaginable

These are not exact synonyms in every sentence.

For example:

• Possible means something can happen.
• Likely means it is expected to happen.
• Feasible often means practical and capable of being completed.
• Potential commonly describes something that may develop or occur.

The clearest antonym is:

• impossible

Other possible opposites include:

• unattainable
• unachievable
• infeasible
• impractical

Example Sentences

• Possible: Is it possible to change the reservation?
• Possible: The company considered every possible solution.
• Possible: Rain is possible during the afternoon.
• Possible: She achieved the best possible result.
• Possible: Please respond as soon as possible.
• Posible: Incorrect in English; replace it with possible.

Word History

Possible entered English through French and ultimately comes from a Latin word meaning something that can be done. The spelling developed with a double s, which remains part of the standard English form.

Posible is not a separate English word with a different history or meaning. In English contexts, it is generally a misspelling caused by dropping one s or transferring the spelling from another language.

Phrases Containing

Common expressions include:

• as soon as possible
• if possible
• whenever possible
• where possible
• as much as possible
• as quickly as possible
• as early as possible
• as little as possible
• best possible result
• highest possible score
• lowest possible price
• every possible option
• possible explanation
• possible solution
• possible cause
• possible outcome
• possible candidate
• possible danger
• make something possible

Every expression uses possible with a double s.

How To Remember The Correct Spelling

The easiest method is to divide the word:

pos + si + ble

Then remember:

Two s’s make success possible.

You can also connect it with impossible:

• possible
• impossible

Most writers recognize that impossible contains two s’s. Removing the prefix im- leaves possible, still with a double s.

Another useful pattern is:

• possible
• possibly
• possibility

All three forms begin with poss-.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible or posible?

Possible is correct in English. Posible is a misspelling because it is missing the second s.

Why does possible have two s’s?

The double s is part of the established English spelling inherited through the word’s historical development. It may not sound doubled in speech, but both letters must appear in writing.

Is posible an American spelling?

No. American English uses possible. British English also uses possible, so there is no regional spelling difference.

Is posible correct in another language?

Yes. Posible is correct in Spanish. However, when you are writing in English, use possible with two s’s.

What does possible mean?

Possible means that something can happen, exist, be done, or be true. It can also describe a person, place, plan, or explanation being considered.

What part of speech is possible?

Possible is primarily an adjective. It occasionally functions as a noun, especially in the plural possibles, but that use is less common.

Is it possible or possable?

Possible is correct. The ending is -ible, not -able.

Is it possible or possibile?

Possible is correct in English. Possibile contains an unnecessary extra i and is not the standard English spelling.

How do you spell possibly?

The correct spelling is possibly: p-o-s-s-i-b-l-y. It retains the double s but changes the ending from -ible to -ibly.

What is the difference between possible and probable?

Possible means something can happen. Probable means it is likely to happen. An event may be possible even when it is not probable.

Conclusion

The choice between possible vs posible is simple in English: possible is correct, while posible is a misspelling.

Use possible when something can happen, can be achieved, may exist, may be true, or can be considered as an option. The spelling is the same in American and British English.

Remember the main forms:

• Correct: possible
• Incorrect: posible
• Adverb: possibly
• Noun: possibility
• Opposite: impossible

The easiest memory rule is: Two s’s make success possible.