a positive possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate something has the potential to turn out well, or could potentially lead to a desirable outcome. For example, "The deal offers a positive possibility for increased revenues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Classification by attack and attack type based on C4.5 and association rules, automatic rule extraction and semantic in-depth interpretation, which are proposed in this paper, provide a positive possibility to add momentum towards the development of new methodologies for intrusion detection systems as well as to support establishing policies for intrusion detection and response systems.

Journal of Systems Architecture

Three authors reported that an EHR system facilitated ease and timeliness of referral and care summaries, with inclusions of reminders and notifications of new information being a positive possibility [ 13, 46, 47].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Helping people reflect on the cost of inaction can help significantly lowers the perceived risk and helps to harness the energy of fear in a positive, possibility-oriented, direction.

Forbes

And what if the unknown isn't a bad thing, but a thing of positive possibility?

Vice

But for a huge number of gamers, the negatives of the restrictions outweighed any positive possibilities.

The Guardian - Tech

The evolutionary solution teaches us that a physical constraint can be converted into a positive design possibility.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

I sought new discoveries -- new routes, new places and spaces -- each new discovery, no matter how seemingly small, gave me hope for the future, gave me a desire for a future with positive possibilities around every corner.

Huffington Post

And when she worried at first that voters might be put off by her complexion, her white friends suggested that she consider another, more positive possibility.

The New York Times

Be encouraged to test the limits of positive possibility!

WikiHow

Yet, with practice, he found that we can learn to focus more attention on the positive possibilities in situations to craft a redemptive narrative of our life story.

Harvard Business Review

"With these positive possibilities there is bound to be an improvement in the land acquisition process," Vice President Joseph Msika said in a statement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a positive possibility" when you want to express that something not only might happen, but also that the outcome is generally desirable.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a positive possibility" as a certainty. It's a potential outcome, not a guaranteed result. Use hedging language if the possibility is not strong.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive possibility" functions as a noun phrase, where "positive" modifies the noun "possibility". It often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating something with the potential for a favorable outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that something has the potential to turn out well or lead to a desirable outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive possibility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential for a favorable outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While applicable across various contexts, it's most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the positive aspect of the possibility, and avoid overstating the likelihood of its occurrence. Remember that alternatives like ""a promising prospect"" or ""an encouraging outlook"" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising prospect

Focuses on the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

an encouraging outlook

Emphasizes the optimistic nature of a potential future.

a favorable chance

Highlights the advantageous nature of the opportunity.

a hopeful scenario

Presents a vision of a desired future.

a bright side

Focuses on the beneficial aspect of a situation.

an upside potential

Highlights the potential for gain or improvement.

a silver lining

Emphasizes a positive aspect amidst difficulties.

a good omen

Suggests that future events will be favorable.

a constructive avenue

Focuses on the potential for building or improving something.

a beneficial opportunity

Highlights that a situation can result in benefits.

FAQs

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

You can use "a positive possibility" to describe a situation with a chance of a favorable outcome. For example, "The new policy presents "a positive possibility" for economic growth".

What are some alternatives to "a positive possibility"?

Alternatives include "a promising prospect", "an encouraging outlook", or "a favorable chance". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "positive possibility" or "promising possibility"?

"Positive possibility" emphasizes the desirable nature of the potential outcome, while "promising possibility" highlights the likelihood of success. Choose the phrase that best reflects your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "a possibility" and "a positive possibility"?

"A possibility" simply indicates that something could happen, without implying whether the outcome is good or bad. "A positive possibility" specifies that the potential outcome is desirable or beneficial.