a possible outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a possible outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential results or consequences of a situation or decision. Example: "After analyzing the data, we concluded that a possible outcome of the experiment could be a significant increase in efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I particularly welcome the possibility of a European constitution as a possible outcome.

EU Parlament

Meisenhelder and Marcum's study of the use of coping mechanisms in one community is interesting as it suggests the possibility of a certain kind of success as a possible outcome.

Huffington Post

But a hung parliament remains at the least a possible outcome – maybe the most likely one.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it does offer a glimpse of a possible outcome for in-store shopping.

The New York Times - Tech

A possible outcome was understood to be that both bidders could be given access to management information at Opel.

The Economist

At its simplest, a hedge is created when you make a bet and at the same time make another bet on the other side of a possible outcome.

The New Yorker

As he wrote, "the market has to be built in such a way that stability is a possible outcome for those who seek it".

The Guardian - Tech

Transferring Umm Sayyaf to Iraqi prisons, a possible outcome of the raid, is also complicated by US and international injunctions against turning detainees over to abusive prison conditions.

The Guardian

A possible outcome that would be beneficial for all three parties would be the creation of a consortium to supply Russian gas through Ukraine, Mr. Neff said.

The New York Times

Asked whether declaring Hezbollah a terrorist organization was a possible outcome, she said, "I expect that this will be an option that will be looked at among others".

The New York Times

Most of the opposition's backers still see Mr Assad's removal as a precondition for talks; the Russians see it only as a possible outcome.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a possible outcome", consider specifying the probability or likelihood of the outcome to provide more clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a possible outcome" as a certainty. Use qualifiers like "may", "could", or "might" to maintain appropriate levels of uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a possible outcome" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable nature, demonstrating its established place in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a possible outcome" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase for expressing potential results or consequences, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, remember to provide context regarding the likelihood of the outcome and avoid presenting possibilities as certainties. Consider alternatives like "a potential consequence" or "a likely development" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a potential consequence

This alternative emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting the result of an action or event.

a likely development

This phrase suggests a natural progression or unfolding of events, implying a higher probability.

a conceivable result

This alternative highlights the possibility of something happening, focusing on its imaginability.

a foreseeable eventuality

This option emphasizes the ability to anticipate or predict a certain outcome based on current conditions.

a plausible scenario

This phrase suggests a credible and believable situation that could unfold.

a prospective effect

This emphasizes the anticipated impact or influence of something.

a probable conclusion

This suggests a logical deduction or inference that is likely to occur.

a predictable result

This alternative highlights the ease with which the outcome can be anticipated.

an anticipated consequence

This stresses the expectation of a specific outcome.

an expected development

This conveys the idea that something is unfolding as planned or foreseen.

FAQs

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

You can use "a possible outcome" to describe a potential result or consequence of an action or situation. For example, "A possible outcome of the negotiations is a peaceful resolution."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a possible outcome"?

Similar phrases include "a potential result", "a likely consequence", or "a conceivable scenario". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a possible outcome" formal or informal?

"A possible outcome" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

Which is more appropriate, "a possible outcome" or "the only possible outcome"?

"A possible outcome" suggests one of several potential results, while "the only possible outcome" implies that there are no other alternatives. The choice depends on the actual situation being described.