a certain possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an option or likelihood that is not definite but has some degree of chance. Example: "In this situation, there is a certain possibility that we may need to reconsider our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Still, he added, "there is a certain possibility that it would have some effect".

The New York Times

Insofar as the odd-sounding utterances Lewis cites state the fallibilist idea, the latter portion thereof ('S cannot eliminate a certain possibility in which not-p', e.g).

SEP

When interpreting our results, it should be considered that there is a certain possibility that the oocytes remain in the aspiration needle during the aspiration and are therefore washed back into the follicle during flushing.

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

Although we did not find similar severe VL underestimation for any of the 23 patients assessed on either CTM2.0 or m2000, the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval of this zero frequency is at 12.2%, suggesting a certain possibility for underestimation even with contemporary viral load tests.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a more serious vein is the almost certain possibility of privacy issues and ubiquitous advertisements.

The New York Times - Tech

A certain ghastly possibility — a glimpse of a stone-dead future temperament — has been made potent for us.

The New Yorker

Alice Munro and Elizabeth Bishop are two other writers who have had a deep impact on my writing, and I mention them together because I have a similar experience when reading a Munro story or a Bishop poem that of being captivated by imaginative bursts that seem to rise up unexpectedly, giving every line a certain multidimensional possibility.

The New Yorker

Alice Munro and Elizabeth Bishop are two other writers who have had a deep impact on my writing, and I mention them together because I have a similar experience when reading a Munro story or a Bishop poem — that of being captivated by imaginative bursts that seem to rise up unexpectedly, giving every line a certain multidimensional possibility.

The New Yorker

Such a lineage exposed a boy to certain possibilities, and Michael had done well by them.

The New Yorker

Therefore, there exists certain possibility that the prevention of ATP-induced cell death by oxATP may not be solely through the blockade of P2X7R.

Cell Death and Disease

And these birds, animals and situations give him a sense of certain possibilities of instinctual life or simple moral life, while the failure, cruelty and inefficiency of human life fills him with contempt".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain possibility" when you want to acknowledge that something might happen, but you're not ready to commit to a strong statement about its likelihood. This allows you to introduce an idea without overstating its probability.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain possibility" when the event is highly probable or improbable. This phrase is most effective when there's a moderate degree of uncertainty. If the outcome is almost guaranteed, opt for stronger expressions like "it is likely" or "it is inevitable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain possibility" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "certain" qualifies the noun "possibility", indicating a specific, though not necessarily high, probability. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain possibility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a potential outcome or scenario with a moderate degree of uncertainty. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct, the examples suggest it is more common in news, scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, consider the context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey, opting for stronger or weaker alternatives as needed. Remember to avoid overstating the likelihood and reserve this phrase for situations where there is genuine uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct possibility

Emphasizes that the possibility is clearly noticeable or defined.

a definite possibility

Suggests the possibility is more assured or likely to occur.

a real possibility

Highlights that the possibility is genuine and not merely theoretical.

a plausible possibility

Indicates the possibility is believable or credible.

a conceivable possibility

Focuses on the capacity of the mind to imagine or understand the possibility.

a potential outcome

Shifts the focus to the result or consequence that could occur.

a likely prospect

Implies a good chance that the possibility will materialize.

a credible scenario

Presents the possibility as a sequence of events that could realistically unfold.

some chance

Simplifies the phrase to indicate any level of likelihood.

a glimmer of hope

Suggests a slight, but encouraging, possibility for a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or scenario that isn't definite but warrants consideration. For example: "There is "a certain possibility" that the negotiations will fail, but we remain optimistic."

What are some alternatives to "a certain possibility"?

Alternatives to "a certain possibility" include "a distinct possibility", "a real possibility", or "a plausible scenario", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a certain possibility" or "a definite possibility"?

The choice between "a certain possibility" and "a definite possibility" depends on the level of confidence you wish to express. "A definite possibility" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "a certain possibility".

Can "a certain possibility" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a certain possibility" is suitable for formal writing, as it's grammatically correct and conveys a moderate level of uncertainty without being overly colloquial. However, consider the context and whether a more precise term might be more appropriate.