Description

Does this seem possible to you that ?

### Title: Analyzing the Phrase “Does This Seem Possible?”

In the provided text, a phrase is repeated several times: “Does this seem possible to you that?” This phrase serves different purposes and contexts, from expressing doubt about historical events to questioning the feasibility of a particular scenario. Let’s delve into its usage and explore the context provided by the linked resources.

#### The Controversial Poll on Holocaust Denial
The New York Times and The Washington Post both discuss a notorious poll question about Holocaust denial. Initially, the question was framed in a way that could be seen as manipulative or leading:

1. **The Misleading Survey Question**
– Original Question: “Does it seem possible or does it seem impossible to you that the Nazi extermination of the Jews never happened?”
– Rationale: This phrasing could lead respondents to choose “possible” or “impossible” rather than expressing doubt more clearly.

2. **The Corrected Question**
– Revised Question: “Does it seem possible to you that the Nazi extermination of the Jews never happened, or do you feel certain that it happened?”
– Impact: This revision clarifies the options, making it easier for respondents to express their belief or doubt in a more nuanced way.

The discussion around these polls highlights the importance of question design in surveys, ensuring that they do not inadvertently manipulate responses. Misleading questions can lead to inaccurate data, which can be problematic in public discourse, especially regarding sensitive topics like historical events.

#### Usage in Everyday English
The phrase “Does this seem possible to you?” is also widely used in everyday English, often when seeking validation or expressing doubt. Here are some examples:

1. **In Written Context**
– “My friend told me he won the lottery—it doesn’t seem possible!”
– “The new vaccine looks promising; it seems possible that it could help end the pandemic.”
– “Does it seem possible that with all the crimes happening, judges have to stay on a case that is 18 years old?”

2. **Politeness in Requests**
– When asking for something politely, this phrase can be used to soften the request. For example:
– “May I kindly ask, does it seem possible that we could reschedule the meeting to next week?”

#### Controversies and Misuse
The phrase can be problematic when handling historical facts or well-established truths, as was the case with the Holocaust denial poll. It’s crucial to use such phrases thoughtfully, ensuring they don’t contribute to the spread of misinformation or the erosion of widely accepted facts.

#### Conclusion
The phrase “Does this seem possible to you?” is versatile and commonly used in different contexts, from questioning the validity of a scientific theory to seeking validation for a belief. Its use should be considered carefully, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects or established facts. In the case of historical events like the Holocaust, it’s essential to frame questions in a way that avoids potential misinterpretation and misinformation.

#### Further Reading and Resources
– [Poll on Doubt of Holocaust Is Corrected – The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/08/us/poll-on-doubt-of-holocaust-is-corrected.html)
– [That Misleading Holocaust Survey – The Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/1994/03/20/that-misleading-holocaust-survey/9fe4a7fa-3b9f-409c-b83c-3e1dc181b680/)
– [Ludwig Guru – seem possible](https://ludwig.guru/s/seem+possible)
– [Ludwig Guru – it seem possible that](https://ludwig.guru/s/it+seem+possible+that)
– [GrammarHow – Polite Ways to Say Would It Be Possible in an Email](https://grammarhow.com/polite-ways-to-say-would-it-be-possible-in-an-email)

These resources provide a deeper dive into the usage, context, and potential pitfalls of the phrase “Does this seem possible to you?”