a distinct possibility for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct possibility for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood of a certain event or outcome occurring in a specific context. Example: "Given the current economic climate, a distinct possibility for a recession looms on the horizon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Wembley looks a distinct possibility for Chelsea now.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, experts put miniaturization of nuclear weapons as a distinct possibility for the North.

The Washington Post

"Bankruptcy remains a distinct possibility (for Wild Oats) IMO if the business isn't sold within the next few years".

The Guardian

Villa have not been relegated from the top flight since 1987 but slipping out of the Premier League is now a distinct possibility for a team so desperately short of confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

Evangelical Christians who justified their decision to back Trump based on Supreme Court picks, will be humiliated if Trump trades a conservative judge for something else he wants — a distinct possibility for a man who shows no convictions beyond self-promotion.

The Washington Post

Such effects have not been previously reported for Mn, although this is a distinct possibility for Pb and Zn [74, 75, 87].

Geochemical Transactions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Nine months on, with the pound depressed, food prices up, and article 50 triggered, it might be worth hesitating a little longer when Ryanair repeats that there is a "distinct possibility of no flights" for a period when Brexit happens.

The Guardian - Business

By the start of Phase One, cosmonauts regularly found their missions extended to save money on launchers, the six-yearly flights of the Progress had been reduced to three, and there was a distinct possibility of Mir being sold for around $500 million.

Wikipedia

Even so, there is a distinct possibility of an upset.

The New Yorker

This is a distinct possibility (see for example [ 59]) but it would be best to discuss it explicitly.

Biology Direct

But some worried that that language provided an out if funds were not available for tests — a distinct possibility, they said, for a state already facing a budget deficit of at least $12 billion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct possibility for" when you want to clearly indicate that something has a notable chance of occurring or being true. It adds a sense of realism and potential.

Common error

Avoid using "a distinct possibility for" when the event is highly improbable. Using it for very unlikely scenarios can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct possibility for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something has a notable chance of occurring or being true. It suggests a real potentiality within a specific context, as exemplified in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a distinct possibility for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a notable chance or likelihood of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news, science, and sports contexts. When writing, ensure the event has a genuine chance of occurring to maintain credibility. Related phrases include "a strong likelihood of" and "a considerable chance of", offering nuanced alternatives. The phrase serves to clearly communicate a realistic potential outcome, fitting a neutral register suitable for various informative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong likelihood of

Emphasizes a higher degree of probability.

a considerable chance of

Highlights the significance of the probability.

a notable prospect of

Focuses on the potential future outcome.

a marked probability of

Suggests the probability is easily observable.

a definite potential for

Highlights the presence of the potential.

a realistic hope for

Implies a positive expectation.

a tangible chance of

Highlights the concrete aspect of the possibility.

a credible outlook for

Emphasizes the plausibility of the forecast.

a feasible expectation of

Highlights that something is reasonably achievable.

a viable option for

Highlights that something is practical.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinct possibility for" in a sentence?

Use "a distinct possibility for" to express that something has a noteworthy chance of happening or being true. For example, "With the new evidence, a conviction is "a distinct possibility for" the defendant."

What's a more formal alternative to "a distinct possibility for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a significant likelihood of" or "a considerable prospect of" instead of ""a distinct possibility for"".

Is "a distinct possibility for" interchangeable with "a remote possibility for"?

No, ""a distinct possibility for"" implies a notable chance, while "a remote possibility for" suggests a very unlikely outcome. They have opposite connotations.

When is it inappropriate to use "a distinct possibility for"?

Avoid using ""a distinct possibility for"" in situations where the outcome is already certain or guaranteed. The phrase is best suited for scenarios involving uncertainty and potential.