a marginal possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marginal possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is unlikely but not impossible. Example: "While the chances of success are slim, there is still a marginal possibility that we could achieve our goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the market was still pricing in a 15 percent to 20 percent marginal possibility of a Spanish default in each of the next five years.

The New York Times

Using the definition given in the preliminaries (12), the conditional possibility distribution of a flux v i can be computed as follows: (27) Remember that conditional distribution can be obtained normalising the marginal possibility distribution to a maximum equal to one (see Figure 2).

BMC Systems Biology

PMFA flux estimations, the marginal possibility distributions and the a posteriori intervals, are shown in Figure 5. Notice that crisp flux estimations will only be obtained if the irreversibility constraints – or other inequalities – are able to "bound" the underdeterminacy of (14).

BMC Systems Biology

Marginal possibility distributions (2) can be easily plotted and give a valuable information for the end user: they show, and rank, the possible values for each flux in the network.

BMC Systems Biology

For a multidimensional Δ = Δ1 × Δ2, δ = (δ1, δ2) ∈ Δ, the marginal possibility distribution of δ1 is defined as: (2) i.e., the possibility of the event { δ1 = }.

BMC Systems Biology

Carbon monoxide poisoning from some inadequately maintained boiler is perhaps another marginal possibility, but the grim and extraordinary fact is that Joyce Vincent's corpse had been there simply too long for the facts to be clearly established.

The Guardian - Film

However, in the course of investigating the marginal possibility of 100percentt self-reliance, we discovered many sweet spots -- technologies that could dramatically and realistically upgrade the sustainability, autonomy and locality of the city.

Huffington Post

Relying on a model of import substitution (another vexed concept, although one beloved of Jane Jacobs, still our most influential urbanist), we've studied the marginal possibility of the city increasingly fending for itself by, in effect, reducing its ecological footprint to the dimensions of its political boundaries.

Huffington Post

The plots of marginal possibility can also detect multiple flux vectors with maximum possibility (possibility distribution functions with flat top).

BMC Systems Biology

With the measurements in Figure 1, the resulting marginal possibility distributions for each flux are plotted in Figure 3A.

BMC Systems Biology

The marginal possibility distributions are depicted in Figure 9A, and the maximum possibility flux estimation and the flux intervals are depicted in Figure 9B.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a marginal possibility" to cautiously introduce an idea or outcome that you don't necessarily expect but want to acknowledge as potentially feasible.

Common error

Avoid using "a marginal possibility" when the actual likelihood is zero or virtually impossible. This could mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Opt for phrases like "no possibility" or "impossible" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marginal possibility" functions as a noun phrase, where "marginal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "possibility". It indicates a low degree of likelihood or chance for something to occur. Ludwig AI considers it correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a marginal possibility" is a grammatically sound way to express a low degree of likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While examples are currently missing in Ludwig's database, alternative expressions such as "a slight chance" or "a remote possibility" can convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the low probability it represents, avoiding overstatement. Its register is considered neutral, fitting various formal and informal communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight chance

This alternative suggests a small degree of probability, emphasizing the limited likelihood of something happening.

a remote chance

This phrase indicates that the probability is low and unlikely to occur.

a slim chance

Similar to "a slight chance", this highlights the minimal likelihood.

a faint hope

This suggests a small amount of optimism, acknowledging the unlikelihood of a positive outcome.

a low probability

This alternative quantifies the likelihood as being on the lower end of the scale.

an outside chance

This indicates that the probability is so low that it is unexpected.

a negligible possibility

This expresses that the chance is so insignificant that it can be ignored.

an unlikely prospect

This highlights that something is not expected or probable.

a minimal likelihood

The chance is quite low.

a distant prospect

This alternative emphasizes the unlikeness of the event taking place.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marginal possibility" to indicate that something is unlikely, but not impossible. For example, "There's "a marginal possibility" that the meeting will be canceled, but it's unlikely."

What's a more formal way to say "a marginal possibility"?

A more formal alternative to "a marginal possibility" is "a slight chance" or "a remote likelihood".

What can I say instead of "a marginal possibility" to emphasize the unlikelihood?

To emphasize the unlikelihood, you could use phrases like "a slim chance", "an unlikely prospect", or "a remote possibility".

Is "a marginal possibility" the same as "a slight possibility"?

While similar, "a slight possibility" might suggest a slightly higher probability than "a marginal possibility", which emphasizes the smallness or near insignificance of the chance.