a possibility that

USAGE SUMMARY

"a possibility that" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the uncertainty of a situation. For example, "There is a possibility that the train will be delayed due to inclement weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think it's a possibility that has to be considered.

The Guardian

"That's a possibility that would've been very worrisome".

The New York Times

So that's a possibility, that is an option".

The Guardian

Meaning persists as a possibility that cannot be eliminated.

The New Yorker

Failing to establish a repository is "a possibility that cannot be ignored," the judges said.

The New York Times - Science

That is a possibility that might play out at many levels.

The New York Times

Until then, in theory, the two sides can still settle, a possibility that seems remote.

The New York Times

There's even a possibility that free radicals themselves aren't as damaging as people think.

The New York Times - Style

To space experts, this is a possibility that might happen in some of our lifetimes.

The Washington Post

There's a possibility that before this month is through, Congress could repeal most of Obamacare.

The Washington Post

"There's a possibility that might happen.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a possibility that", clearly state what that possibility is to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "There's a possibility that…", specify "There's a possibility that the project will be delayed."

Common error

Avoid using "a possibility that" when you want to convey a high degree of certainty. This phrase is better suited for situations where the outcome is genuinely uncertain. If you want to express a higher degree of certainty, use words or phrases such as "likely", "probable", or "almost certain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possibility that" functions as a noun phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It indicates that the content of the subordinate clause is a potential outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically sound and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a possibility that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce uncertainty or contingency. Ludwig AI underlines its correct usage, highlighting it as a noun phrase introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a potential outcome. It’s widely seen in various contexts, from News & Media to Science and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the possibility entails and avoid overstating certainty. Alternatives like "a chance that" or "a prospect that" can be used to subtly alter the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chance that

Focuses on the element of chance or likelihood, differing slightly in emphasis from possibility.

a prospect that

Suggests something expected or likely to happen, which is subtly different from a mere possibility.

a likelihood that

Emphasizes the probability of something occurring, making it more assertive than a simple possibility.

a potential for

Highlights the inherent capacity for something to happen or develop.

it is conceivable that

Presents the idea as imaginable or believable, adding a layer of acceptance to the possibility.

it is plausible that

Indicates that something is credible or could reasonably occur.

the odds are that

Implies a statistical assessment of the likelihood of an event.

there's a risk that

Highlights the uncertainty and potential negative outcome associated with the situation.

it cannot be ruled out that

Indicates that a certain outcome is still possible and should be considered.

there is reason to believe that

Suggests that there is evidence supporting the potential occurrence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a possibility that" to introduce an uncertain outcome or potential scenario. For instance, "There is "a possibility that" the meeting will be postponed", indicates uncertainty about the meeting's scheduling.

What are some alternatives to "a possibility that"?

You can use alternatives like "a chance that", "a prospect that", or "a likelihood that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a possibility that"?

It's appropriate to use "a possibility that" when discussing potential outcomes that are not guaranteed or certain. Avoid using it when the outcome is highly probable or already known.

How does "a possibility that" differ from "a probability that"?

"A possibility that" suggests a chance something might occur, while "a probability that" implies a higher likelihood based on available evidence or data.