a narrow possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a limited chance or likelihood of something occurring. Example: "There is a narrow possibility that the event will be canceled due to the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It looks like the big refund war is over but there is a narrow possibility that some people might be able to claim back their bank charges.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, the narrow possibility of an alternative explanation remains.

Biology Open

Perhaps this is the most important lesson an athlete can learn: a narrowing of possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Presidents, once in office, operate within a narrow band of possibility.

The New Yorker

Here's how.

Huffington Post

Young people being exposed to different role models earlier is really helpful as it is often difficult to imagine what you might do beyond a narrow range of possibilities which are well-known.

The Guardian

The hormone patterns associated with the fertile ovulatory cycle have very definite characteristics and a narrow range of possibilities.

Human Reproduction Update

Cimino doesn't stint on the Western analogies, with horses and mountains and conflicts over land rights, and his image repertory is as vital and energetic as ever, but it's hard not to see a crisis of cinematic faith, a sense of narrowing possibilities, afflicting the film.

The New Yorker

But while "BattleBots" makes for high television ratings, it represents a narrow vision for the possibilities of robot-building.

The New York Times - Tech

As Mia, a single 43-year-old corporate litigator with sweeping views from her plush office but a narrow range of romantic possibilities (and plummeting fertility levels), Ms. Davis combined fragility, denial and a deeply felt intelligence to transcend the clich?hat her character might have otherwise become.

The New York Times

But Mr. Trump's rise in the polls, combined with a handful of political overtures from Mr. Trump and his team in recent days, left Mr. Cruz effectively boxed in, raising the possibility that a narrow Trump defeat could be laid at his feet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow possibility", ensure the context clearly conveys the low probability of the event. It's best used when acknowledging a chance, however small, rather than dismissing it entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow possibility" when the actual probability is virtually nonexistent. Overstating the chance can mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a narrow possibility" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow possibility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a low likelihood or chance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly news and media, as well as scientific discussions. Alternatives include "a slim chance" or "a slight chance". When employing this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the improbability of the event and avoid overstating the likelihood. Be mindful of the chance truly being "narrow" and not virtually nonexistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim chance

Indicates an even smaller chance than "a narrow possibility".

a slight chance

Similar to "a narrow possibility", but emphasizes the small degree of likelihood.

a remote possibility

Suggests the possibility is far-fetched or unlikely to happen.

a small likelihood

Focuses on the statistical improbability of the event.

a bare possibility

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the chance.

an outside chance

Implies the possibility exists but is very unlikely.

a faint hope

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of hoping for something unlikely.

a long shot

An idiomatic expression for something with a very low chance of success.

a slender hope

Highlights the fragility and weakness of the hope.

a negligible prospect

Indicates the outcome is so unlikely it's almost not worth considering.

FAQs

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

You can use "a narrow possibility" to express that something is unlikely but still possible. For instance, "There is "a narrow possibility" that the game will be canceled due to rain".

What are some alternatives to "a narrow possibility"?

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

Is it better to say "a narrow possibility" or "a small possibility"?

"A narrow possibility" and "a small possibility" are largely interchangeable. "Narrow" emphasizes the limited scope, while "small" highlights the low probability. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.

When is it inappropriate to use "a narrow possibility"?

It's inappropriate to use "a narrow possibility" when the chance is actually zero or so improbable that it's not worth mentioning. Use it when there is a chance, however unlikely.