Which one should you use?
C'est possible ? is the common colloquial way to ask the question, while Est-ce possible ? is a more grammatically standard version. For even greater formality, you can use Est-il possible ? (Is it possible?) or Serait-il possible ? (Would it be possible?). If you are asking if a specific task is feasible, you might use the informal phrase C'est faisable ? (Can it be done?). Additionally, Pourrait-on ? can be used in formal scenarios to mean 'Could one…?'
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
C'est possible ? is considered an informal way to ask the question. For formal situations, use Est-il possible ?, Est-ce possible ? or Serait-il possible ? Use Pourrait-on ? for formal inquiries involving 'one' or 'we'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While c'est possible ? is common in spoken French, the more grammatically standard way to form this question is est-ce possible ? If you are referring specifically to a feminine noun, you should use Est-elle possible ?
When do people say it?
When someone asks if something is possible, a standard affirmative response is Oui, c'est possible (Yes, it is possible) and a standard negative response is Non, ce n'est pas possible (No, it is not possible).
Did you know?
- While c'est possible ? asks about possibility, French speakers often use the phrase c'est possible as a way to express doubt or skepticism, similar to saying 'possibly' or 'maybe' in English.
- In French, the phrase C'est possible can be used as a polite way to avoid giving a definitive 'yes' or 'no' answer, functioning as a social cushion to keep options open.
- The word 'possible' shares the same root as the English 'possibility', but it also relates to the word 'imposant' in certain linguistic contexts through their shared Latin roots involving 'power' or 'ability'.
Examples in context
- Est-il possible d'organiser une réunion demain ?Is it possible to organize a meeting tomorrow?
- C'est faisable d'aller au cinéma ce soir ?Is it possible to go to the movie theater tonight?
- Serait-il possible de recevoir les documents par courrier électronique ?Would it be possible to receive the documents via email?
- Est-ce possible de venir te voir ce week-end ?Is it possible to come and see you this weekend?
- C'est possible de prendre un jour de congé ?Is it possible to take a day off?
- C'est possible de venir demain ?Is it possible to come tomorrow?
- C'est possible ?Is it possible?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, possible, CC BY-SA 4.0.
