a minuscule possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a minuscule possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a very small chance or likelihood of something occurring. Example: "There is a minuscule possibility that it will rain tomorrow, so we should plan our picnic as scheduled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The line chimes smartly with Dick Cheney's real-life "one per cent doctrine", which suggested that even a minuscule possibility of terrorists getting nuclear weapons meant the US must act as if it were a certainty.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, it's up to us to choose how to react to this minuscule possibility.

The New Yorker

Natural proteins represent a minuscule fraction of possible sequence space.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

The possibility arose after a minuscule trace of anthrax was found on a letter sent to a family living a mile from her home.

The New York Times

That is a minuscule number.

The Guardian - Opinion

A minuscule burden, Mr. Shure calls it.

The New York Times

But, it attracted a minuscule audience.

The Guardian - Music

The budget was a minuscule $40,000.

The New York Times

"Maybe a little clay, but it's a minuscule amount".

The New York Times

A minuscule wire chair sports an eensy toilet seat.

The New York Times

His head peeked over into the skyline — a minuscule bump.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a minuscule possibility" when you want to emphasize just how unlikely something is, but still acknowledge that it is not completely impossible. It's more impactful than simply saying 'unlikely'.

Common error

Avoid using "a minuscule possibility" when the event is actually impossible. The phrase implies a chance, however small, so ensure there is at least a theoretical possibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a minuscule possibility" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "minuscule" modifies the noun "possibility". It describes the extent to which something is likely to happen. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a minuscule possibility" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something with a very low probability of occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While its frequency is rare, it appears in reliable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, remember that while it indicates unlikelihood, it does not denote impossibility. Alternatives include phrases such as ""a very slight chance"" or ""a slim chance"", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very slight chance

Emphasizes the small degree of likelihood.

a slim chance

Highlights the lack of substance or support for the possibility.

a remote possibility

Focuses on the distance or unlikelihood of the event occurring.

a negligible chance

Stresses the insignificance of the possibility.

a minimal likelihood

Uses 'likelihood' to emphasize probability and 'minimal' to show the limited degree.

a faint hope

Implies a desire for the possibility to be true, despite its unlikeliness.

a rare chance

Emphasizes the infrequency of the possibility.

an outside chance

Suggests the possibility exists outside the realm of normal expectations.

a ghost of a chance

Signifies an extremely small and almost imperceptible possibility.

a snowball's chance in hell

Emphasizes near impossibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a minuscule possibility" to describe an event that is highly unlikely but still possible. For instance, "There's "a minuscule possibility" that our team could win the championship, but it would require a major upset."

What phrases are similar to "a minuscule possibility"?

Alternatives to "a minuscule possibility" include "a very slight chance", "a slim chance", or "a remote possibility". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a minuscule possibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "a minuscule possibility" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to precisely convey a very low probability. However, ensure the tone is appropriate for your audience.

What's the difference between "a minuscule possibility" and "an impossibility"?

"A minuscule possibility" suggests that something is extremely unlikely but still conceivable, while "an impossibility" means something is completely unachievable or cannot occur under any circumstances. The former leaves room for some chance, however small, while the latter does not.