a distant possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"a distant possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a scenario that is unlikely to happen, but still possible. For example: "Although winning the lottery is a distant possibility, it would be nice to have the extra money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

At this point, that seems like a distant possibility.

The Washington Post

But that seems to be a distant possibility.

The New Yorker

Emancipation thus quickly changed from a distant possibility to an imminent and feasible eventuality.

Britannica

Most economists hold the view that a sovereign default is a distant possibility.

The Telegraph

The rebels say signing a peace accord with Mr. Uribe is a distant possibility.

The New York Times

They are secretly relieved that for now reunification seems only a distant possibility.

The Economist

He does not treat that first alternative as a distant possibility: "American Catholicism, to put it bluntly, is in trouble.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Separation is still a very distant possibility but would be a long way off, and not without challenges.

Forbes

Right now, of course, the mere idea of a secondary market for tokenized securities feels like a very distant possibility.

TechCrunch

Applying the same formula to an EU of 20 or even 27 (mooted as a more distant possibility) would further dilute the voting strength of the big countries and make it harder to form the vote-winning coalitions needed to get things done.

The Economist

Actually, distress was a relatively distant possibility, given that my study and the books were safe.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant possibility" when you want to acknowledge a potential outcome, however unlikely, without completely dismissing it. This can add nuance to your writing, showing awareness of all potential angles.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant possibility" when the outcome is truly impossible. Using it in such cases can mislead readers into thinking there's a chance when there isn't.

Linguistic Context

"A distant possibility" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It signifies an event or outcome that is improbable but not entirely impossible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distant possibility" is a versatile phrase used to describe events that are improbable yet still within the realm of the conceivable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used, mainly in news and media, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. Alternatives include "a remote chance" and "a slim chance", though the best choice depends on the degree of improbability you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase carefully, avoiding situations where the outcome is actually impossible to prevent misleading your audience. By understanding its function and purpose, you can use "a distant possibility" to add depth and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remote chance

Emphasizes the unlikelihood more strongly than the original phrase.

barely a possibility

Highlights how close to impossible it is.

a slim chance

Implies an even lower probability compared to "a distant possibility".

a long shot

Common idiom for something that has very little chance of succeeding.

a faint hope

Shifts the focus to hope rather than possibility, suggesting wishful thinking.

an unlikely prospect

Highlights the improbability of the event occurring.

a low probability

Uses more formal, statistical terminology to convey the unlikelihood.

a far-fetched scenario

Suggests that the possibility is not only unlikely but also difficult to believe.

a pie in the sky idea

An informal expression suggesting an unrealistic or fanciful plan.

a shot in the dark

Indicates a guess or attempt with very little chance of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distant possibility" to describe something that is unlikely to happen but still conceivable. For example: "Although winning the lottery is "a distant possibility", it's fun to dream about what I would do with the money".

What is a good alternative to "a distant possibility"?

Alternatives to "a distant possibility" include "a remote chance", "a slim chance", or "an unlikely prospect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a distant possibility" the same as "an impossibility"?

No, "a distant possibility" implies something is unlikely but still conceivable, while "an impossibility" means something cannot happen under any circumstances. They are not interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "a distant possibility" instead of "unlikely"?

Use "a distant possibility" when you want to specifically emphasize that, even though something is unlikely, it still exists as a potential outcome. "Unlikely" is a more general statement of improbability.