a possible accident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible accident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an event that may have occurred by chance or unexpectedly, often in contexts related to safety or risk assessment. Example: "The investigation revealed that there was a possible accident involving the machinery that could have endangered the workers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Uranium-silicide (U-Si) fuels are being pursued as a possible accident tolerant fuel (ATF).

Journal of Nuclear Materials

Critics have long warned of a possible accident at the Hamaoka plant, which is upwind of Tokyo.

The New York Times

The IAEA... is not interested in the concentration of attention on a possible accident in the nuclear industry.

The Guardian

As an internet user known as spyd3rweb wrote on digg.com, "1 cable = an accident; 2 cables = a possible accident; 3 cables = deliberately sabotaged".

The Economist

Not in vain there appear new more strict norms concerning the systems of control and study of the consequences of a possible accident.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Predicted impact loads can be applied to the initial design of the bow structure and collision bulkhead of the craft to secure the structural safety against a possible accident.

Marine Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

This estimate was based on a hazard evaluation/accident analysis model that considered all possible accident initiators and failure modes.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Left to its own devices, industry blithely insisted that deep-water drilling was safe and that it had the means to deal with any possible accident.

The New York Times

This quantitative estimate is usually expressed as a combination of probabilities and consequences derived from a range of possible accident scenarios, which can be used as a basis for cost-benefit analysis.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Studies indicate even the worst possible accident at a nuclear plant is less destructive than other major industrial accidents.

Yale University

While the engineering design of Korean helium cooled solid breeder (HCSB TBMM and its ancillary systems has been performed, a safety assessment on different possible accident scenarios should be carried out for the purpose of licensing.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing safety protocols or risk assessments, use "a possible accident" to acknowledge potential dangers without causing undue alarm. It's a balanced way to address potential hazards.

Common error

Avoid using "a possible accident" when there's strong evidence an accident is imminent. In such cases, stronger phrases like "an impending accident" or "an unavoidable accident" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible accident" functions as a noun phrase, where "possible" modifies the noun "accident". It describes an event that is within the realm of what could occur. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

54%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a possible accident" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a potential or hypothetical accident. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is suitable for discussions involving safety, risk assessment, and preventative measures. While variations like "a potential accident" or "a likely accident" exist, the original phrase maintains its relevance and utility across numerous contexts. It's important to ensure that the language strength matches the certainty of the situation when it comes to choosing it over a stronger statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential accident

Replaces "possible" with "potential", suggesting the accident is capable of happening or becoming real.

a potential incident

Substitutes "accident" with "incident", which can encompass a broader range of unplanned events.

a likely accident

Replaces "possible" with "likely", implying a higher probability of occurrence.

a plausible accident

Uses "plausible" to indicate the accident is believable or credible.

a conceivable accident

Uses "conceivable" to indicate the accident is within the realm of possibility and can be imagined.

a foreseeable accident

Replaces "possible" with "foreseeable", suggesting the accident could have been anticipated.

a hypothetical accident

Emphasizes that the accident is assumed for the sake of argument or investigation.

an imaginable accident

Similar to "conceivable", but emphasizes the act of imagining the accident.

a suspected accident

Emphasizes that accident is thought to have happened, but not yet confirmed.

a theoretical accident

Highlights the accident is a speculative concept not necessarily grounded in reality.

FAQs

How can I use "a possible accident" in a sentence?

You can use "a possible accident" to refer to an event that might occur unexpectedly, such as "The investigation aims to prevent "a possible accident" at the construction site".

What are some alternatives to "a possible accident"?

Alternatives include "a potential incident", "a likely mishap", or "a hypothetical accident", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "possible accident" or "potential accident"?

Both "possible accident" and "potential accident" are correct, but "potential" often implies a slightly higher degree of likelihood or capability of occurring compared to "possible".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a possible accident"?

Avoid using "a possible accident" if you have concrete evidence that an accident is definitely going to happen or has already happened. More definitive language is needed in such cases.