Have you ever typed “posible” and thought, “That doesn’t look quite right”? 🤔
You’re not alone — it’s one of the most common English spelling mistakes, especially for people who speak multiple languages.
Both “posible” and “possible” look convincing, but only one is correct in standard English.
Although they sound almost identical, they serve completely different purposes — and one is technically not even an English word!
In this article, we’ll uncover the truth behind “possible” vs “posible,” explore why the confusion happens, and share simple memory tricks to make sure you always spell it right.
By the end, you’ll never second-guess yourself again. Let’s begin! 🚀
What Is “Possible”?
✅ “Possible” is the correct English spelling and a commonly used adjective meaning able to happen, exist, or be done.
It comes from the Latin word possibilis, meaning “that which can be done.”
Meaning and Usage
“Possible” describes something that can happen, even if it’s not certain.
Examples:
- “It’s possible to learn English in a year.”
- “Do you think it’s possible we’ll win?”
- “Anything is possible if you work hard.”
🎯 Simple Definition:
“Possible” means something can happen, be achieved, or exist.
Where “Possible” Is Commonly Used
| Context | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday life | Something that can happen | “It’s possible I’ll be late.” |
| Science & Technology | Feasible or achievable | “Space travel is now possible for civilians.” |
| Business or Planning | Within capability or budget | “Is it possible to finish this by Friday?” |
| Emotions or Hope | Expressing optimism | “It’s possible things will get better.” |
| Hypothetical Scenarios | Something that could occur | “It’s possible she forgot to call.” |
Origin of “Possible”
The word “possible” comes from the Latin “possibilis” and Old French “possible”, both meaning “able to be done.”
It entered English in the 14th century, and has been part of everyday vocabulary ever since.
💡 Fun Fact:
“Possible” shares roots with the word “power.” Both stem from posse in Latin meaning to be able.
So, when you say something is possible, you’re literally saying “it has power to be.” ⚡
What Is “Posible”?
❌ “Posible” is not a correct English spelling.
However, it’s a valid word in Spanish meaning exactly the same as “possible” in English! 🇪🇸
That’s where most confusion comes from:
People who are bilingual (especially English-Spanish speakers) often mix up the two spellings.
When “Posible” Appears
- In Spanish sentences:
- “Todo es posible.” → “Everything is possible.”
- In English typos (unintentional):
- “It’s posible we’ll meet again.” ❌
So, unless you’re writing in Spanish, always use “possible.”
🎯 Meaning Summary:
“Posible” = Spanish word.
“Possible” = English word.
Key Differences Between “Posible” and “Possible”
| Feature | Posible | Possible |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Spanish | English |
| Meaning | “Able to happen” (in Spanish) | “Able to happen” (in English) |
| Correct in English? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Word Origin | Latin → Spanish | Latin → Old French → English |
| Spelling | One “s” | Two “s’s” |
| Example | “Todo es posible.” | “Everything is possible.” |
🎯 Summary:
In English, always use “possible.”
“Posible” only works if you’re writing in Spanish.
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Dialogue 1: Text Message
Alex: “Is it posible to meet at 7?”
Mia: “You mean possible 😄 but yes, that works!”
🎯 Lesson: In English, “possible” always has two s’s.
Dialogue 2: Classroom
Teacher: “Class, remember — ‘possible’ has two s’s.”
Student: “Oh, like mission possible!”
🎯 Lesson: Use the double “s” for the correct English spelling.
Dialogue 3: Bilingual Mix-Up
Carlos: “In Spanish, we write it posible with one ‘s.’”
Emma: “So that’s why I kept getting it wrong in English!”
🎯 Lesson: Same meaning, different spelling across languages.
Dialogue 4: Email Typo
Manager: “Please correct ‘posible’ in the report.”
Intern: “Oops, my bad! Fixed to possible.”
🎯 Lesson: A single letter can change professionalism always double-check!
Dialogue 5: Motivational Chat
Liam: “Do you really think it’s posible to start from zero?”
Nora: “Anything is possible if you believe.” 🌟
🎯 Lesson: Inspiration sounds better when spelled correctly!
When to Use “Possible” vs “Posible”
| Situation | Use “Possible” | Use “Posible” |
|---|---|---|
| Writing in English | ✅ “Anything is possible.” | ❌ |
| Writing in Spanish | ❌ | ✅ “Todo es posible.” |
| Business or academic writing | ✅ | ❌ |
| Motivational quotes in English | ✅ | ❌ |
| Multilingual sentences | Use the correct form for each language | ✅/❌ |
🎯 Rule of Thumb:
“Possible” = English
“Posible” = Spanish
Fun Fact or History Section
📜 1. Latin Roots Run Deep
Both words come from the Latin possibilis, meaning “able to be done.”
Different languages adopted slightly different spellings but the root meaning stayed the same!
💡 2. “Mission: Impossible” Popularized the Word
The hit 1960s TV series and later movie franchise made “impossible” (and by contrast “possible”) iconic in modern culture.
💬 Quote: “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’” Audrey Hepburn
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| “It’s posible to learn quickly.” | “It’s possible to learn quickly.” | English spelling needs two “s’s.” |
| “Was it posible to call earlier?” | “Was it possible to call earlier?” | “Possible” is the correct form in English. |
| “Everything is posible if you try.” | “Everything is possible if you try.” | Typo from Spanish influence. |
| “Mission: Posible.” | “Mission: Possible.” | One letter changes meaning and professionalism! |
🎯 Quick Fix:
If you’re writing in English, remember: Double “s,” double strength. 💪
Memory Tricks to Remember
🧠 1. Think “Possible = Two S’s = Super Strong.”
If it’s achievable, it deserves two s’s for super success!
🧠 2. “Posible” = Spanish → Single S.
When you drop one “s,” you switch languages.
🧠 3. Visual Trick:
Imagine the “SS” in possible as a pair of steps helping you reach what’s possible. 🪜
Mini Practice Section
Choose the correct spelling 👇
- “Is it ___ to finish on time?” → Possible ✅
- “Todo es ___.” → Posible ✅ (Spanish)
- “Anything is ___ with determination.” → Possible ✅
- “She asked if it was ___ to reschedule.” → Possible ✅
- “That’s not ___ in English!” → Possible ✅
🎯 Answer Key: Possible, Posible (Spanish), Possible, Possible, Possible.
Why It’s Important to Spell It Correctly
Correct spelling shows attention to detail, professionalism, and credibility.
While “posible” might just look like a typo, it can create confusion — especially in business, education, or formal writing.
Getting it right every time proves that you understand both language and context.
Remember:
“Possible” = English power word.
“Posible” = correct only en español.
Conclusion
To wrap it up:
- ✅ “Possible” is the correct English spelling.
- ❌ “Posible” is the Spanish version — or just a common typo in English.
They look alike but belong to different languages.
So, if you’re writing in English, always remember: two “s’s” make success possible. 💫
Next time you see the word, you’ll instantly know which one belongs — and spell it like a pro!
