a likely possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a likely possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that has a reasonable chance of occurring or being true. Example: "Given the current trends, a likely possibility is that the project will be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though I had stopped nursing a while back, my youngest daughter was 16 months old at the time, so it felt like a likely possibility.

Huffington Post

Since Second Life has already made moves to open up its system, Feng sees this as a likely possibility.

MIT Technology Review

It would certainly provoke a response from China, with a trade war drawing in other countries a likely possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, even if minor coding differences influence delay ability — and that's a likely possibility — Shoda doesn't expect to discover these differences: the sample size is simply too small.

The New Yorker

These results indicate that p26 improves cell survival following drying and rehydration, and suggest that dry storage of mammalian cells is a likely possibility in the future.

Cryobiology

Pits with some animal bones have been found in the vicinity of burial sites; thus, it is a likely possibility that they represent offerings to the dead.

Britannica

The loss of the plane's ACARS and transponder signals, however, spurred ongoing speculation about some form of hijacking as a likely possibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the book's start, Wolff proffers a likely possibility that the Trump team, despite attracting a swarm of people with questionable Russia connections, was too naïve for deliberately colluding with the Russians to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.

Yale University

Pretty much the entire international community has concluded that it was a bomb that brought down the Metrojet flight - yet Cairo is unwilling to even validate that as a likely possibility.

The Guardian

Commentators offered reminders that we were not in a constitutional crisis; their supposedly reassuring evidence was, in one of the most frequently used cliches, that "there are no tanks in the streets," as if that were a likely possibility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Flinging copyright complaints, he suggests, might work against Facebook if it finds itself on the receiving end of a copyright suit--a likely possibility on a site where users can post any content they choose.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a likely possibility", ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand why this possibility is deemed likely. This adds credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a likely possibility" when the outcome is highly certain. This can undermine your credibility and make the statement seem less trustworthy. In such cases, use phrases that convey more certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a likely possibility" functions as a qualifier, softening a statement about a potential event or situation. It presents an outcome as probable but not certain. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts where predicting the future or assessing potential outcomes is key.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a likely possibility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that something has a good chance of happening. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains. While very common in science, news and media and encyclopedia contexts, its use can be adapted across contexts where expressing a balanced perspective is important. Remember to ensure the context supports why something is considered likely. Alternatives such as "a probable outcome" or "a plausible scenario" can be used for variety. However, avoid using the phrase when certainty is high or it becomes redundant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a probable outcome

Replaces "likely possibility" with a more direct statement of probability.

a plausible scenario

Suggests the situation is believable and could happen.

a credible prospect

Highlights that the prospect is believable and worthy of consideration.

a realistic chance

Emphasizes that the chance is grounded in reality and is achievable.

a distinct likelihood

Indicates a notable level of probability.

a good bet

Uses an informal idiom to suggest a high chance of success or occurrence.

within the realm of possibility

Indicates that something is possible, but doesn't necessarily mean it is likely.

conceivable eventuality

Implies the outcome is imaginable or possible.

reasonably expected

Highlights that the event is not just possible, but has a basis for expectation.

a foreseeable contingency

Suggests the event is predictable based on current conditions.

FAQs

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

Use "a likely possibility" to suggest an event or outcome that has a good chance of happening. For example, "Given the available evidence, a likely possibility is that the suspect acted alone."

What are some alternatives to saying "a likely possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "a probable outcome", "a plausible scenario", or "a realistic chance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever wrong to use "a likely possibility"?

It's best to avoid using "a likely possibility" when the outcome is already known or highly certain. In these situations, more direct language is appropriate.

What's the difference between "a likely possibility" and "a remote possibility"?

"A likely possibility" suggests that an event has a good chance of occurring, whereas "a remote possibility" implies that the event is unlikely to happen. They represent opposite ends of the probability spectrum.