a fleeting possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a chance or opportunity that is temporary or unlikely to last. Example: "Although it seemed like a fleeting possibility, we decided to pursue the idea further before it vanished completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A spontaneous purchase of an empty lot on which they can build a new home offers them only a fleeting possibility of a new beginning.

The New York Times - Books

But according to Brian Balogh, a historian at the University of Virginia and one of the hosts of the radio show Backstory with the American History Guys, there is a fleeting possibility that Conway could work wonders in Manafort's absence for all anyone knows.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The climate activist Bill McKibben, who is currently traveling the country in an effort to highlight the hard math that is making the 2-degree benchmark an increasingly fleeting possibility, agreed.

Huffington Post

Now, at the very moment a world food crisis has come along, creating the perhaps fleeting possibility of an influx of capital into African agriculture, some of the same organizations are sending conflicting messages.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the demands of post-war stabilisation, and the fleeting possibility of a simultaneous Korean crisis, may have discredited the notion that America can, in all, get by with fewer troops.And in some ways the strategy represented a perfection of an old form of warfare rather than the birth of a new one.

The Economist

Captivated by the cathode ray, Luciano (a note-perfect Aniello Arena) starts to disengage from reality, retreating into increasingly paranoid delusions, obsessed with the fleeting possibility of fame.

The Guardian - Film

My teenage years were spent watching us tumble down the divisions, but only after the fleeting possibility that we might return to the top flight after just two years.

The Guardian

But the most exciting moments came in the fleeting, possibility-laden spaces between spoken ideals and physical replications, when a lively creative energy engulfed performers and audience members alike: "What will they do?

The New York Times

But O'Sullivan makes only a fleeting appearance, and the possibility that the corruption seeped deeper than two agents, and two brothers, is not raised in the film at all.

The Guardian - Film

Ms. Simmons along with her partner, Chuck Scarborough, became a New York fixture not just for delivering the news but for her many quirks, including falling off her chair, her yearly groundhog impersonation and the possibility of a fleeting expletive making it on the air.

The New York Times

If but for a fleeting moment, you considered the possibilities: Zero tailpipe emissions.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting possibility" to convey that an opportunity or chance exists, but is unlikely to last long or materialize. It's useful for setting expectations or describing fragile scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeing" (running away) when you mean "fleeting" (brief or passing quickly). "A fleeing possibility" doesn't make logical sense in most contexts where "a fleeting possibility" would be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting possibility" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It encapsulates the idea of a chance that is both present and transient. As Ludwig shows, this phrase often appears in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting possibility" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that describes a temporary or uncertain chance. Ludwig's analysis of example sentences reveals that the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. Although only a small number of examples are available, Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While alternatives like "a transient opportunity" or "a momentary chance" offer similar meanings, the original phrase effectively conveys both the existence and fragility of the chance being described. Remember to avoid confusing "fleeting" with "fleeing". When using "a fleeting possibility", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intent of describing a brief and potentially unrealized opportunity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a transient opportunity

Replaces 'fleeting' with 'transient' and 'possibility' with 'opportunity', emphasizing the temporary nature of the chance.

a momentary chance

Substitutes 'fleeting' with 'momentary' and 'possibility' with 'chance', highlighting the brief duration of the opportunity.

a brief window of opportunity

Uses 'brief window' instead of 'fleeting' and retains 'opportunity', emphasizing a limited timeframe.

a slim chance

Focuses on the low probability rather than the duration, offering a similar sense of uncertainty.

a remote prospect

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of the event occurring, similar to a fleeting nature.

a temporary opening

Highlights the short-lived nature of the opportunity or access.

an ephemeral hope

Replaces possibility with 'hope' and 'fleeting' with 'ephemeral' pointing out the short lived expectation.

a vanishing opportunity

It suggests that an opportunity is quickly disappearing or ceasing to exist.

a short lived opportunity

Focuses directly on the limited time frame of the opportunity.

a passing fancy

Emphasizes the short-lived or trivial nature of a liking or interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting possibility" to describe a chance or opportunity that is temporary or unlikely to last. For example, "Although it seemed like "a fleeting possibility", we decided to pursue the idea further before it vanished completely."

What are some alternatives to "a fleeting possibility"?

Some alternatives include "a transient opportunity", "a momentary chance", or "a brief window of opportunity".

What does "fleeting" mean in the context of "a fleeting possibility"?

In this context, "fleeting" means brief, temporary, or quickly passing. It indicates that the possibility is not likely to last for long.

Is it better to say "a fleeting possibility" or "a fleeting opportunity"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Opportunity" might suggest a more concrete opening, while "possibility" implies a less certain chance. The best choice depends on the specific context.