Possible Best vs. Best Possible – Which is Correct?
When choosing between “possible best” and “best possible,” use “best possible” in nearly every standard sentence. It means the highest quality or outcome that can be achieved. “Possible best” is grammatical but uncommon and usually sounds awkward, emphasizing a best result that is possible rather than expected or achieved.
Possible Best or Best Possible – Which Is Correct?
Both possible best and best possible can be understood, but best possible is the standard, natural expression in American English. It means “the best that can be achieved” or “the highest available level.”
Possible best follows a less natural word order. It may appear when a writer wants to emphasize that a particular “best” outcome is only one possibility, but most readers will find it awkward. In ordinary writing, replace it with best possible, best attainable, or best that is possible.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the superlative-before-description trick: put best first, then describe what kind of best it is. For example, say “the best possible answer,” just as you would say “the best available option” or “the best imaginable result.”
A useful swap test is this: replace possible with available. “The best available choice” sounds natural, so “the best possible choice” is also the correct pattern.
| Word or Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| possible best | Adjective phrase | A best result that may be possible; uncommon word order | The phrase “possible best” sounds awkward in this sentence. |
| best possible | Adjective phrase | The highest quality or result that can be achieved | We want the best possible outcome. |
How to Use Possible Best
Possible best is not an outright spelling or grammar error, but it is an unusual phrase. The normal English pattern places the superlative best before the adjective that limits or describes it. Therefore, “the best possible solution” is much more idiomatic than “the possible best solution.”
This word order may occasionally be defensible when possible modifies an implied noun or when the writer is deliberately distinguishing one possible “best” from another. Even then, the meaning can be unclear. In formal, academic, business, and professional writing, choosing best possible is safer.
Example 1: The team worked toward the best possible result.
Example 2: We are seeking the best possible explanation for the error.
Example 3: “Possible best” may be understood, but “best possible” is the clearer expression.
What Are the Different Forms of Possible Best?
Possible best is a phrase rather than a single inflected word, so it does not have verb tenses or plural forms. The adjective possible can be modified with adverbs such as very, barely, or most in suitable contexts. Related forms include possibly, an adverb, and possibility, a noun.
Although expressions such as more possible and most possible can occur in specialized contexts, they usually sound less natural than alternatives such as more likely, most feasible, or most attainable.
Etymology of the Word Possible
Possible comes from the Latin possibilis, meaning “that can be done,” from posse, meaning “to be able.” It entered English through Old French and has been used in English since the late Middle Ages.
How to Use Best Possible
Best possible is the standard adjective phrase for describing the highest quality, result, treatment, answer, or outcome that circumstances allow. It commonly appears before a noun: the best possible option. It can also follow a linking verb in expressions such as “That is the best possible answer.”
The phrase is appropriate in casual, formal, academic, professional, and official writing. It often communicates an ideal target without claiming that the result is perfect. For example, “the best possible estimate” recognizes that an estimate may still involve uncertainty.
Example 1: The doctor explained the best possible treatment options.
Example 2: Please provide the best possible evidence for your conclusion.
Example 3: The company is taking steps to ensure the best possible customer experience.
What Are the Different Forms of Best Possible?
Best is the irregular superlative form of good and well. The basic comparison is good, better, and best. When best appears in best possible, it already expresses the highest degree, so it should not be changed to “better possible.”
The phrase may appear in different grammatical positions:
- Before a noun: We need the best possible plan.
- After a linking verb: This is the best possible solution.
- With an implied noun: We did our best possible.
The final example is uncommon and usually requires a noun, such as “We did the best possible under the circumstances.” In most cases, including the noun makes the sentence clearer.
Etymology of the Word Best
Best comes from the Old English betst, the superlative form related to good. Its modern spelling developed through Middle English forms. The word has long expressed the highest quality, greatest success, or most favorable choice.
Related Concepts
Understanding adjective order and superlative forms makes the difference between these phrases easier to recognize.
- Superlative adjectives: A superlative adjective identifies the highest or lowest degree among possibilities. Best is the superlative form of good and well.
- Postpositive adjectives: Some adjectives naturally follow the noun they modify. In the best possible answer, possible follows best because it narrows the meaning of the superlative.
- Adjective order: English generally follows conventional adjective patterns. Superlatives such as best commonly come before descriptive adjectives such as possible in this type of phrase.
- Idiomatic expressions: An expression can be grammatically understandable but still sound unnatural. Best possible is idiomatic, while possible best is comparatively unusual.
Examples from Media and Literature
The phrase best possible appears frequently in journalism, business communication, public statements, fiction, and advice writing. The following examples show its natural use in different contexts:
- News reporting: A report may describe officials as working toward “the best possible outcome” during negotiations.
- Sports coverage: A commentator might say that an athlete delivered “the best possible performance” under difficult conditions.
- Business writing: A company may promise to provide “the best possible service” to its customers.
- Medical communication: A doctor may discuss “the best possible care” while acknowledging that every treatment has limits.
- Literary dialogue: A character may hope for “the best possible ending” while facing an uncertain future.
Possible Best Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Best attainable | The highest level that can realistically be reached |
| Highest achievable | The greatest result that can be achieved |
| Potentially optimal | Possibly the most favorable or effective |
| Best conceivable | The best result that can be imagined |
Best Possible Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Optimal | The most favorable or effective under the circumstances |
| Best attainable | The highest standard that can be reached |
| Highest achievable | The greatest level that circumstances permit |
| Ideal | Meeting the highest desirable standard |
| Most favorable | Producing the most beneficial result |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “possible best” grammatically correct?
“Possible best” can be interpreted grammatically, but it is uncommon and often sounds awkward. In most contexts, use “best possible” instead.
Question 2: Is “best possible” the correct phrase?
Yes. “Best possible” is the standard phrase for describing the highest quality, result, or option that can be achieved.
Question 3: Why does “best possible” sound more natural?
English commonly places the superlative adjective first and the limiting adjective afterward. This produces familiar patterns such as “the best available choice,” “the best imaginable result,” and “the best possible answer.”
Conclusion
Use best possible when you mean the highest quality or most favorable result that can be achieved. Although possible best is understandable, it is an uncommon word order and may distract readers. Pro Tip: In professional writing, choose the familiar expression “best possible” to make your communication sound clear, polished, and credible.
