a possibility exists

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possibility exists" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential outcomes or scenarios that may occur. Example: "In this situation, a possibility exists that we may need to adjust our strategy based on new information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

While I detect no unsavory rationale for the anonymity, such a possibility exists.

The New York Times

A possibility exists that the intelligence, driven in part by fragmented watch lists, was poor.

The New York Times

completely exited the exchanges". However, a possibility exists that it could still offer some coverage in Nevada's marketplace under a Medicaid stipulation being negotiated in that state.

The Washington Post

Such a possibility exists in discussions this week between U.S. and Chinese representatives in Washington, the first ever working-level cybersecurity engagement between the two nations.

The New York Times

A possibility exists, probably remote at this point, that the papers could just fold, making Philadelphia the winner of a dubious sweepstakes: first major American city to be left without a daily newspaper.

The New York Times - Magazine

Therefore, a possibility exists that PH unresponsive to indomethacin (especially borderline cases) can be diagnosed as CH.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Spanish Economy Ministry, however, denied that such a possibility existed.

The New York Times

They were to refer to it as chicken, since a possibility existed that Bill Grace might not be an eater of adequate sophistication to enjoy the truth.

The New Yorker

Such a possibility existed, however, because this was more than fifty years ago in other words, before the history of Italian painting had been exhaustively researched and put in order.

Harvard University

Since a possibility existed that an in-frame mRNA could be transcribed from the deletion, we characterized the truncated mRNA through RT-PCR and sequencing.

eLife

With such a setting, a clear possibility exists for β-cell products such as zinc, γ-aminobutyric acic and, of course, insulin itself to modulate α-cell function.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a possibility exists" to introduce a potential outcome or scenario, often followed by a 'that' clause specifying the possible event. It adds a layer of formality to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying too heavily on "a possibility exists" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "it's possible" or "there is a chance" /s/there+is+a+chance to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possibility exists" primarily functions as an existential clause, introducing a potential or hypothetical situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a possibility exists" serves as a grammatically correct and relatively formal way to introduce a potential outcome or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related writing. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "it's possible", understanding its appropriate usage adds nuance and formality to your writing. Be mindful of overuse, and consider synonyms to maintain writing diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chance is present

Emphasizes the presence of a chance, altering the focus slightly from existence to presence.

a potential is there

Highlights the availability of a potential outcome, changing the structure of the original phrase.

it could happen

Uses a more informal tone and direct statement about something that might occur.

there's a prospect

Focuses on the prospect or future possibility, slightly different nuance than existence.

it is conceivable

Emphasizes the conceivability of something, presenting it as something imaginable.

something may arise

Indicates a possibility that something might emerge or occur.

an opportunity looms

Suggests an imminent opportunity, adding a sense of proximity.

circumstances allow

Highlights the allowance of specific circumstances, suggesting conditional possibilities.

a door is open

Uses a metaphor to indicate that an opportunity or possibility is available.

fate might intervene

Implies a possibility influenced by fate or external forces.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a possibility exists" for better flow?

Consider using alternatives like "it's possible", "there's a chance", or "it could happen" depending on the context. These alternatives often provide a more concise and direct way to express the same idea.

Is "a possibility exists" too formal for casual conversation?

Yes, /s/it+is+possible or /s/there's+a+chance generally sound more natural in informal settings. "A possibility exists" is better suited for formal writing or professional communication.

What's the difference between "a possibility exists" and "a potential exists"?

While similar, "a possibility exists" refers to something that could happen, while "a potential exists" implies an inherent capacity or capability. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing an event or an attribute.

Can I use "a possibility exists" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. For example: "A possibility exists that the project will be delayed."