Possible or Posible: Which Is Correct?

Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Possible or Posible: Which Is Correct?

Quick answer: When asking whether possible or posible is correct, the answer is clear: possible is the only correct spelling, while posible is a common misspelling. The word means capable of happening or being achieved, and it follows standard English spelling rules. Remember that the letter i appears after the s, never before it, ensuring the word is written with a double l and the correct vowel order. Using the correct form helps your writing appear professional and easy to understand for all readers.

The Short Answer

People often confuse these words because they sound identical and the letters are close on a keyboard. The error usually happens when typing the s or when the brain skips a letter during quick composition.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FormStatusUse it when
possibleCorrectTo describe something that can happen or be achieved.
posibleMisspellingNever use this form in formal or informal writing.
adjectivePart of speechIt modifies nouns to indicate capability or likelihood.
globalRegionIt is used in all standard English-speaking regions.

Correct Example Sentences

  1. The possible outcome depends on the weather forecast tomorrow.
  2. It is possible that she will arrive late due to traffic.
  3. Scientists say it is possible to reverse some types of damage.
  4. A possible solution to the problem has been proposed by the team.
  5. Is it possible for us to finish the project by Friday?
  6. The possible reasons for the delay are unclear at this moment.
  7. Remember, it is possible to make mistakes even when you try hard.
  8. There is a possible connection between the two events.
  9. It is not possible to predict the future with perfect accuracy.
  10. We hope a possible resolution is reached soon.
  11. The possible winner of the election has not been announced yet.
  12. Is it possible to learn a new language in just one month?
  13. Without further study, it is impossible to say if this is possible.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

People often swap the s for a p by mistake
Replace the misplaced p with an s to spell possible correctly
The word can sometimes appear without the l
Add the missing l after the s to fix the spelling
Typing too fast leads to dropping a letter
Type the full sequence of letters to ensure posible becomes possible
A typo can change the entire meaning of text
Correct the misspelling so the reader understands the chance is possible
Dictionaries do not list posible as valid
Use the standard spelling that every dictionary recognizes as possible
Users may confuse similar sounding words
Remember that the correct spelling aligns with the verb to possess, making possible the right choice
Keyboard shortcuts might omit a key
Press the l key on your keyboard to complete the word possible
Auto-correct features sometimes fail here
Manually verify that the word displays as possible after auto-correct acts
Some non-English speakers might mix up the order
Follow English spelling rules to place the s before the l in possible

Related Word Pairs

Your/You're
your indicates possession while you're is you are
Its/It's
its shows ownership and it's means it is
Then/Than
then refers to time and than is used for comparisons
Effect/Affect
effect is a noun and affect is a verb
Complement/Compliment
complement completes something while compliment is praise
Principal/Principle
principal is a person or money and principle is a rule
Who/Whom
who replaces you and whom replaces them

Sources and Further Reading

Back to top

More in Spelling