a plausible possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plausible possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you wish to express a realistic chance of something happening. For example: "Given the current economic situation, a recession is a plausible possibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I think that's certainly a plausible possibility, and we can't rule it out at this point.

The New York Times

Suddenly there was democracy, or at least a plausible possibility of it, together with the stabilizing and enriching prospect of greater integration into Europe.

The New York Times

Feel like the luckiest AND happiest man in world," tweeted Rupert Murdoch on 4 March as he headed off on honeymoon; and "ever" is starting to look a plausible possibility, since by the end of last week a biblical 40 days had passed without another mini-missive.

The Guardian

Lebanon experts said that an American cyber espionage campaign directed at Lebanon's banking system would seem to be a plausible possibility, given Washington's concerns that the country's banks are being used as a financial conduit for the Syrian government and for Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political party.

The New York Times

While in fact John Major remained prime minister in 1992 with a small Conservative majority, a Labour victory had seemed a plausible possibility to many in the run up to the election, in line with much of the opinion polling.

BBC

Although in fact Sir John Major remained in 10 Downing Street with a 21-seat Conservative majority, a Labour victory had seemed a plausible possibility to many in the run up to the election, in line with much of the opinion polling.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A more plausible possibility is an effect of BoNT‐A on the trafficking of mechanosensitive channels.

Annals of Neurology

This is an excellent suggestion – we agree it is a very plausible possibility and have now incorporated it into the description of our model in the Discussion as follows: "Based on our data we propose an explicit mechanistic model for APC2 function inside the destruction complex.

eLife

That Georgians have swapped one Saakashvili for another is a more plausible possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or at least there was a subjectively plausible possibility that it might affect any citizen".

The New York Times

Indeed, the alternative would require multiple gene transfers between viruses infecting phylogenetically distant hosts, apparently, not a particularly plausible possibility.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plausible possibility" to introduce a situation or outcome that is not certain but has a reasonable chance of occurring. It's best when discussing potential future events or evaluating different explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "a plausible possibility" when a stronger assertion is appropriate. If evidence strongly supports a particular outcome, consider using phrases that convey more certainty such as "a likely outcome" or "a high probability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plausible possibility" functions as a noun phrase, serving to introduce a scenario or outcome that is considered reasonably likely or believable. Ludwig AI validates that phrase structure follows standard grammar rules and is usable in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plausible possibility" is a phrase used to introduce scenarios that are reasonably believable but not certain. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the plausibility is based on evidence, and not to overuse it when a stronger assertion is warranted. Considering alternatives like "a likely outcome" or "a realistic chance" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a likely outcome

Focuses on the probability that a specific result will occur.

a distinct likelihood

Stresses the clarity and certainty of the probability.

a realistic chance

Highlights the actual probability of something occurring.

a credible prospect

Emphasizes believability and likelihood.

a conceivable option

Stresses that something is imaginable or thinkable.

a reasonable expectation

Highlights the justification behind anticipating something.

a believable scenario

Focuses on the narrative or sequence of events being convincing.

a tenable theory

Implies that a theory can be defended or maintained.

a valid hypothesis

Suggests that the hypothesis is well-founded and sound.

a promising development

Indicates positive potential and future prospects.

FAQs

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

Use "a plausible possibility" to introduce an idea or scenario that is reasonably likely but not guaranteed. For example, "Given the advances in technology, AI surpassing human intelligence is "a plausible possibility"."

What are some alternatives to "a plausible possibility"?

You can use alternatives such as "a likely outcome", "a realistic chance", or "a credible scenario" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a plausible possibility" or "a likely possibility"?

"A plausible possibility" suggests something is reasonably believable and could happen. "A likely possibility" suggests it's more probable than other options. Choose based on the degree of certainty you want to convey.

What does "plausible" really mean in the phrase "a plausible possibility"?

In this context, "plausible" means that something is believable and based on reasonable evidence, making the "possibility" worth considering, even if it's not certain.