If you are wondering whether “posible” or “possible” is correct in English, the answer is possible. The spelling posible is not the standard English spelling of this word. Possible is an adjective meaning that something can happen, can be done, or may be true. Cambridge Dictionary gives meanings such as “able to be done or achieved” and “that might or might not happen.”
This spelling mistake is easy to make because the word possible contains a double s, while many learners naturally write it with only one. This guide explains the difference, gives practical examples, covers common mistakes, and shows you how to remember the correct spelling.
Quick Answer: Posible or Possible?
Possible is the correct spelling in standard English.
Posible is incorrect when you are trying to write the English word possible.
| Spelling | Correct in English? | Meaning |
| possible | ✅ Yes | Able to happen, exist, or be done |
| posible | ❌ No | Incorrect spelling of the English word |
| possibly | ✅ Yes | In a way that may happen or be true |
| possibility | ✅ Yes | Something that may happen or be true |
Examples
- Is it possible to finish this today?
- It is possible that she will arrive late.
- We should consider every possible solution.
Memory tip: Think poss + ible → possible. The double s belongs in the middle.
Why Is “Possible” the Correct Spelling?
The standard English word is spelled possible, with two s letters together:
p-o-s-s-i-b-l-e
Major English dictionaries recognize possible as an English word. Cambridge Dictionary defines it as something that can be done, achieved, or exist, and it can also describe something that might or might not happen.
The spelling posible usually appears because someone has accidentally dropped one of the two s letters.
Correct spelling breakdown
possible
- pos
- si
- ble
More simply:
poss + ible = possible
The important spelling point is the ss:
possible ✅
posible ❌
Why the mistake happens
English spelling does not always make pronunciation obvious. In possible, the two s letters are pronounced as one /s/ sound, so a learner may hear only one sound and write only one s.
This is a common type of spelling error: the writer spells the word according to what they hear rather than according to its standard written form.
Key takeaway: Even though you hear one /s/ sound, you must write ss in possible.
What Does “Possible” Mean?
Possible generally describes something that can happen, can exist, can be done, or may be true. Cambridge lists both the “can happen or be done” meaning and the “might or might not happen” meaning.
Possible meaning “can be done”
Use possible when something is achievable.
Examples:
- Is it possible to change the appointment?
- It is possible to complete the project by Friday.
- We will do everything possible to help.
Here, possible focuses on whether something can actually be done.
Possible meaning “may happen”
Possible can also describe something that is uncertain.
Examples:
- Rain is possible tomorrow.
- It is possible that he forgot the meeting.
- There are several possible reasons for the delay.
In these sentences, possible does not mean something will definitely happen. It means it is one realistic option or outcome.
Possible meaning “one of several options”
You can also use possible before a noun.
Examples:
- a possible solution
- a possible explanation
- a possible candidate
- a possible cause
- a possible answer
This use is especially common in academic, business, and professional writing.
Key takeaway: Possible can describe something achievable, uncertain, or one option among several.
Posible vs. Possible: The Main Difference
The difference is primarily about language and spelling.
| Feature | Posible | Possible |
| Standard English spelling | ❌ | ✅ |
| Standard English adjective | ❌ | ✅ |
| Means “able to happen” | ❌ | ✅ |
| Used in formal English | ❌ | ✅ |
| Contains double “s” | ❌ | ✅ |
If you are writing in English, choose possible.
Example
❌ Is it posible to change the date?
✅ Is it possible to change the date?
❌ We need to find a posible solution.
✅ We need to find a possible solution.
The second versions are correct because possible is the standard English spelling.
Is “Posible” Ever Correct?
Yes, but not as the standard English spelling of “possible.”
This is an important distinction.
Posible is a Spanish word. Spanish dictionaries translate posible as possible in English. Cambridge’s Spanish-English Dictionary, for example, lists posible as the Spanish equivalent of English possible.
So:
- English: possible
- Spanish: posible
Example in Spanish
Es posible.
English translation:
It’s possible.
Therefore, seeing posible does not always mean that someone has made a spelling mistake. The surrounding language matters.
However, if you are writing an English sentence, use possible.
Key takeaway: Posible can be a valid Spanish word, but possible is the correct English spelling.
How to Use “Possible” Correctly
Knowing the spelling is only the first step. You also need to use the word naturally in a sentence.
“Possible” + noun
Use possible directly before a noun when describing an option, explanation, outcome, or situation.
Examples:
- We discussed every possible option.
- That is a possible explanation.
- The doctor considered several possible causes.
- They are looking for a possible solution.
This structure is common in professional and academic writing.
“Possible” + to-infinitive
You can use possible with to + verb.
Examples:
- Is it possible to reschedule the meeting?
- It may be possible to reduce the cost.
- It is possible to solve the problem without additional software.
Cambridge specifically provides examples using the pattern possible to + verb.
“Possible that” + clause
Use possible that when discussing something uncertain.
Examples:
- It is possible that he missed the train.
- It is possible that prices will increase.
- Is it possible that they made a mistake?
This construction is useful when you want to express uncertainty without claiming something is definitely true.
“As soon as possible”
One of the most common expressions is:
as soon as possible
It means as quickly as circumstances allow.
Examples:
- Please reply as soon as possible.
- I need the report as soon as possible.
- We will contact you as soon as possible.
This expression is common in emails, workplace communication, and everyday conversation. Cambridge lists as soon as possible among its standard uses of the word.
Possible, Possibly, and Possibility: Don’t Confuse Them
These words are related, but they have different grammatical jobs.
| Word | Part of speech | Example |
| possible | Adjective | It is a possible solution. |
| possibly | Adverb | She could possibly arrive later. |
| possibility | Noun | There is a possibility of rain. |
Possible
Possible describes a noun or situation.
That is a possible explanation.
Possibly
Possibly modifies a verb, adjective, or entire statement and often expresses uncertainty.
He could possibly help us.
Possibility
Possibility is a noun referring to something that may happen or be true.
There is a possibility that the event will be canceled.
Memory tip:
-ible → adjective → possible
-ly → adverb → possibly
-ity → noun → possibility
Common “Posible” Spelling Mistakes
Mistake 1: Writing “posible”
❌ It is posible to finish today.
✅ It is possible to finish today.
Why it happens: The writer hears one /s/ sound and forgets that the spelling contains ss.
How to avoid it: Memorize poss + ible.
Mistake 2: Writing “possable”
❌ Is that possable?
✅ Is that possible?
The ending is -ible, not -able.
A useful spelling pattern is:
possible → possibility
The word changes form, but the core spelling remains recognizable.
Mistake 3: Writing “posible solution”
❌ We need a posible solution.
✅ We need a possible solution.
This error can be particularly noticeable in professional writing because possible solution, possible cause, and possible explanation are common phrases.
Mistake 4: Confusing “possible” with “probable”
These words are related but not identical.
Possible means something can happen or may be true.
Probable suggests that something is likely to happen or be true.
Compare:
It is possible that the flight will be delayed.
This says a delay could happen.
It is probable that the flight will be delayed.
This suggests a delay is likely.
Key takeaway: Something can be possible without being probable.
Possible vs. Probable vs. Feasible
Choosing the right word can make professional writing more precise.
| Word | Basic idea | Example |
| possible | Can happen or be done | A solution is possible. |
| probable | Likely to happen or be true | A delay is probable. |
| feasible | Practical and capable of being achieved | The proposed plan is feasible. |
| potential | Having the possibility of becoming or happening | We identified a potential problem. |
In business writing
Suppose your company wants to launch a product within two weeks.
You might say:
Possible:
A two-week launch is possible.
Probable:
A two-week launch is probable if testing goes well.
Feasible:
A two-week launch is feasible with the current resources.
Each word gives the reader a slightly different message.
Expert tip: Don’t replace possible with probable simply to sound more formal. Choose the word that matches the level of certainty you actually mean.
A Simple Decision Guide: Which Word Should You Use?
When you are unsure, ask what you mean.
Are you asking whether something can happen?
Use possible.
Is it possible to finish this today?
Are you saying something is likely?
Use probable or likely, depending on the sentence.
It is probable that demand will increase.
Are you asking whether a plan is practical?
Use feasible.
The proposed schedule is feasible.
Are you describing something that could become important or happen later?
Use potential.
We identified a potential problem.
Are you writing the English spelling of the word?
Use:
possible ✅
Not:
posible ❌
Examples of “Possible” in Real-Life English
In business emails
Please let me know if it is possible to move the meeting to Thursday.
This is polite and professional.
In academic writing
Several possible explanations should be considered.
This avoids claiming that one explanation is definitely correct.
In everyday conversation
Is it possible to get a table outside?
This asks whether the requested option is available.
In customer service
We will provide a replacement as soon as possible.
This communicates an intention to act quickly without promising an exact time.
In news writing
Officials are investigating possible causes of the incident.
Here, possible signals that the causes have not been established with certainty.
When Should You Avoid “Possible”?
Although possible is a useful word, precise writing sometimes requires a stronger or more specific word.
Compare:
There is a possible problem with the system.
This indicates uncertainty.
If you have confirmed the problem, write:
There is a problem with the system.
If you know the problem is likely but not confirmed:
There is likely a problem with the system.
Good writing is not about using sophisticated vocabulary. It is about accurately expressing what you know.
Editorial insight: Use possible when uncertainty is genuine. Don’t use it as a vague substitute for evidence or certainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “posible” a correct English word?
No. Posible is not the standard English spelling of the word meaning “able to happen, exist, or be done.” The correct English spelling is possible.
Is “possible” spelled with one or two s’s?
Possible is spelled with two s’s:
p-o-s-s-i-b-l-e
The double s is one of the most important spelling features to remember.
What is the difference between posible and possible?
Possible is the standard English spelling. Posible is a Spanish word meaning “possible,” but it is not the standard English spelling.
Why do people spell possible as “posible”?
The mistake usually comes from pronunciation. The word contains one /s/ sound even though its spelling has ss, so learners may accidentally leave out one s.
Is “possable” correct?
No. The correct spelling is possible, not possable. The ending is -ible.
What is the noun form of possible?
The noun is possibility.
Example:
There is a possibility that the meeting will be canceled.
What is the adverb form of possible?
The adverb is possibly.
Example:
She could possibly arrive tomorrow.
Is “possible” an adjective?
Yes. Possible is primarily an adjective. It describes something that can happen, can be done, can exist, or may be true.
Is “possible” the opposite of “impossible”?
Yes. Impossible is the common opposite of possible.
Compare:
It is possible to finish the work today.
It is impossible to finish the work today.
Is “possible” the same as “probable”?
No. Possible means something can happen or may be true, while probable suggests that it is likely. A possible event is not necessarily a probable one.
Key Takeaways
- Possible is the correct English spelling.
- Posible is not the standard English spelling of this word.
- Possible contains two s’s: poss-ible.
- It can mean that something can happen, can be done, can exist, or may be true.
- Possibly is the adverb form.
- Possibility is the noun form.
- Impossible is the common opposite.
- Possible and probable are not exact synonyms.
- Posible is a valid Spanish word, but English uses possible.
- In professional writing, use possible when you genuinely mean that something can happen or may be true.
Editorial Note
The easiest way to avoid this spelling mistake is to stop relying only on pronunciation. Remember the written pattern:
POSS + IBLE = POSSIBLE
When proofreading, pay special attention to the middle of the word. If you see posible in an English sentence, check whether it should be possible.
References
- Cambridge Dictionary — possible
- Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary — possible
- Cambridge Spanish-English Dictionary — posible
- Collins English Dictionary — possible
Conclusion
If you are writing in English, choose possible, not posible. The correct spelling has two s’s: possible. Remember “poss + ible”, and you will avoid one of the most common spelling errors with this word.
David James is an English language enthusiast, writer, and author at StudyNixx, a website dedicated to helping readers understand confusing English words, spelling differences, and commonly mistaken word forms. He focuses on making English language learning simple, practical, and easy to understand.
David is also the author of two books on English language and word usage, where he explores common spelling mistakes, confusing words, and practical ways to improve written English. Through his writing and educational content, he helps students, writers, and everyday English learners choose the right words with confidence.
At StudyNixx, David covers common word comparisons such as summary vs. summery, shiny vs. shiney, spicy vs. spicey, and breached vs. breeched. His goal is to provide clear, useful, and reliable explanations that make English spelling and word usage easier for everyone.
info.asadblogger@gmail.com