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[Croquantes]

I'm a native english speaker, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I have good grammar. In fact, I have atrocious grammar, but I still don't like being called on it. Which is why I got into a discussion today with my friend who took offence to me saying that something was "very much possible".

Is there something grammatically incorrect with saying "very much possible"? I'm only posting this question here because google has been unkind to me.

[Enzo]

Finally! Highschool English comes in handy!

I think it's fine. Strictly speaking, "very possible" is correct since the "much" is redundant. But people say "very much possible" all the time. The only person who should be calling you on that one is an editor, and honestly most of them would probably still miss it.

In fact, I have atrocious grammar

Actually, by internet standards, the grammar in your post seemed above average.

[Shzar]

Yeah, "very much possible" isn't exactly a mortal sin of grammar, but speaking very technically, it should be "very much probable," since possibility only has two states: either something is possible, or something is impossible. That being said, nobody follows that rule in casual conversation, and you shouldn't fret about it unless you're writing something you expect to be graded or paid for.

[Enzo]

Damnit, you're right. It should be 'probable'.

[Yanlin]

My vote goes for the "much" being redundant. It should be "Very possible."

[Muz]

Grammar is overrated. Language is for communication. If you can communicate well, then do it. I had do watch someone argue about the difference between "we were waiting for the bus" and "we were waiting for it". And someone mentioned that "speaking English" is grammatically incorrect, it should be "speaking the English language". Or complaining that Real English Speakers don't use American spelling. Or that "they're" should not be used at all; it should be "they are".

The important thing is that you should be able to say something, say it in a way that doesn't make people wince, and say it in as few words as possible. In that case, I'd say "indeed possible" because it sounds nice, and means "very much" without being redundant. But if you look at Google, "very much possible" is a popular term.

Lol, Shzar corrected grammar, then said "payed", which is an offense because it is past tense

[Emperor_Jonathan]

Or that "they're" should not be used at all; it should be "they are".

Whaaaat

"They're" is fine for colloquial language, however in 'formal' language, they're should not be used. Neither should contractions such as don't, didn't etc.

[Shzar]

Lol, Shzar corrected grammar, then said "payed", which is an offense because it is past tense

Whoops, stupid me. I frequently make that mistake. Damn irregular verbs.

I mostly agree with your sentiment, Muz. There's no need to impose strict rules of grammar on people's speech between friends etc., since it likely works very well for them. Standard English is for formal writing, or communicating with people who may not be familiar with your slang and thus could get left behind in conversation. I wish netizens were more careful with grammar. Many times I have read an illiterate forum post and wondered if it was sarcastic. It's hard to read subtext when the real text is garbled.

[Jreengus]

I had do watch someone argue about the difference between "we were waiting for the bus" and "we were waiting for it".

Well after I noticed that mistake I immediately ignored the entire rest of your argument.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

</sarcasm>
I'm unlikely to be openly rude about someone making some small error but I might correct them if they do it a lot. Mainly because it's a slippery slope between mixing up there and their 4n|) 741k|n9 like this. (Yes I suck at 1337 5p43k.)

[Tormy]

Damnit, you're right. It should be 'probable'.

Eh....I don't know why, but I always wrote "propably" instead of "probably" for a very long period...I am not a native english talker by the way...

[Puck]

I don't really know whether this has much to do with grammar, actually.

I know in german it would also be grammatically incorrect to say "very (much) possible" because of the same reason; stuff can be either possible or impossible...

BUT!

In english I think it's called a "hyperbole", and that pretty much applies here. By exaggerating "possible" you imply "unavoidable/it will happen all by itself anyway". If that's not what you actually meant to say, I'd say that's one on the scoreboard for your friend.

If, however, that's exactly what you meant, you get a point AND may call him anal.

[Darkone]

Or, you can take the sophsticated way out, and simply say "quite possible" 

[Croquantes]

I don't really know whether this has much to do with grammar, actually.

I know in german it would also be grammatically incorrect to say "very (much) possible" because of the same reason; stuff can be either possible or impossible...

BUT!

In english I think it's called a "hyperbole", and that pretty much applies here. By exaggerating "possible" you imply "unavoidable/it will happen all by itself anyway". If that's not what you actually meant to say, I'd say that's one on the scoreboard for your friend.

If, however, that's exactly what you meant, you get a point AND may call him anal.

Well, this is the relevant bit of the conversation lifted from my msn log and cleaned up. Also, orgasmic birth IS possible. I had no clue! Tell all your girlfriends/wives!

Rickeh: did you hear? germany's heading toward civil disorder. the government warned that unrest is very much possible, following the steepest decline in GDP since 1931. 

Seán: very much possible?

Sir Rickeh: very much possible. just like orgasmic birth.

[Puck]

In that case I think the score goes to your buddy. I dont think civil disorder in germany is unavoidable. It may be an option, but I really cant believe it's happening "no matter what".

I'm by no means the final authority on that, but I say "very much possible" is grammatically incorrect, in theory, unless hyperbole, which doesnt apply here.

Fun fact: most people probably never know what "very much possible" actually should mean, and use it as "it's highly probable". and that's just plain wrong I believe.

[Maggarg - Eater of chicke]

Grammar and spelling and whatever language it is should always be taken seriously. Language is one of the very few things that is almost impossible for an individual to lose.