a pair of possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of possibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two potential options or outcomes in a given context. Example: "In this situation, we have a pair of possibilities: we can either proceed with the project as planned or delay it for further analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

California winery Uvaggio offers a pair of possibilities, on sale at Berry Bros & Rudd.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A pair of two possibilities of diagnosis can be considered corresponding to positive sign and negative sign regions.

Biomedical Optics Express

When the cost of a suit is on par with a fancy dress shirt and a pair of premium jeans, the possibilities for wearing it open up considerably.

The New York Times

In a provocative new paper, a pair of astrophysicists consider the possibility that intelligent alien beings could have built a fleet of self-replicating space probes that use gravity to sling themselves from star to star.

Huffington Post

Eighty years after Keynes first composed "Economic Possibilities," a pair of Italian economists, Lorenzo Pecchi and Gustavo Piga, got to chatting about it.

The New Yorker

Back in the 1980s he was pushing vert possibilities with a pair of skateboard/rollerskate things he'd built and called 'quads.' They were two mini skateboards bound to each foot using bits from a kid's snowboard, and Holger used them to land two-meter McTwists.

Vice

When considering the association of a pair of epiphyte and tree species, the possibilities vary continuously from 'uninhabitability' over a 'negative association' and 'host neutrality' to a strong 'positive association'.

AoB PLANTS

That is, we need a view of propositions which makes room for the possibility that a pair of sentences can be true in just the same circumstances but nonetheless have genuinely different contents.

SEP

Then, the proposed model is transformed into a pair of nonlinear programs parameterized by the possibility level α to identify the lower and upper bounds on the minimal total cost per unit time at α and thus construct the membership function.

European Journal of Operational Research

But we cannot rule out the possibility that a pair of points becomes closer with a new κ after optimization.

Bioinformatics

The excitation and emission behaviors of a pair of QDs incorporated with GNR demonstrate the possibility of using this structure as a subwavelength resonator of Fabry-Perot type.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of possibilities" when you want to specifically emphasize that there are exactly two options or potential outcomes being considered. This can add clarity and focus to your writing.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "a pair of possibilities" within the same piece of writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make the text sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "two options", "two alternatives", or "a couple of choices".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of possibilities" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies two potential options or outcomes. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of possibilities" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression used to denote two potential options or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While versatile, "a pair of possibilities" functions best when explicitly indicating that exactly two options are being considered. For clarity and stylistic variety, consider alternatives such as "two options" or "a couple of choices". This phrase finds common ground in news reporting, scientific discourse, and general informational contexts, maintaining a neutral register that renders it appropriate for a broad spectrum of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two potential options

Focuses on the "options" aspect, emphasizing choice.

two possible outcomes

Highlights the "outcomes" aspect, emphasizing results.

a couple of options

Uses "couple" as a synonym for "pair", indicating two choices.

two alternatives

Emphasizes the idea of having different paths to choose from.

a set of two choices

Highlights the idea of a limited set of options.

two conceivable scenarios

Focuses on the scenarios aspect, emphasizing what might happen.

a dual set of prospects

Uses more formal language to convey the concept of potential future events.

two avenues

Emphasizes the 'paths' or 'routes' aspect of possibilities.

a brace of chances

Uses a more archaic term "brace" for "pair" and "chances" for "possibilities".

a duality of options

Uses "duality" to convey the sense of two-ness in a philosophical way.

FAQs

How can I use "a pair of possibilities" in a sentence?

You can use "a pair of possibilities" when discussing two potential options or outcomes in a given context. For example: "In this situation, we have "a pair of possibilities": we can either proceed with the project as planned or delay it for further analysis."

What are some alternatives to "a pair of possibilities"?

You can use alternatives like "two options", "two alternatives", or "a couple of choices" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a pair of possibilities" over other similar phrases?

Use "a pair of possibilities" when you want to specifically emphasize that there are exactly two options being considered. This can add clarity to your writing.

Is there a difference in formality between "a pair of possibilities" and "two options"?

The phrase "a pair of possibilities" can sound slightly more formal than "two options", but both are generally acceptable in most writing contexts.