a practical possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a practical possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or scenarios that are feasible or realistic in a given context. Example: "After evaluating the resources available, we concluded that expanding our operations to a new city is a practical possibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

This means that results-based management is simply a nice idea, and not a practical possibility.

The Guardian

That's what we aspire to do: not just inspire change but make it a practical possibility".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a realistic possibility and it is a practical possibility.

The Guardian

At this point, placement is not a practical possibility in Burma or North Korea.

Yale University

If his eugenic utopia was to be a practical possibility, he needed to know more about how heredity worked.

The New Yorker

Even a decade ago, equal coverage for mental illness seemed more a pipe dream than a practical possibility.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"I can't see any practical possibility whatsoever of getting a withdrawal agreement that ties up all the legal issues".

The Guardian

The number of all possible combinations of mutations in the RT is immense and it is therefore beyond any practical possibility to present their complete analysis in a written report.

Plosone

They are even beyond any practical possibility of happening.

Nuclear Safety

Equally, at the other extreme, there are comics that stretch beyond any practical possibility, where you find yourself dropped into Escher-like mazes, places in which the comic itself becomes the city.

The Guardian

And perhaps today it's more socially acceptable for well-paid women to hire nannies and other household help so that they can maintain a family life, making marriage a more practical possibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a practical possibility" when you want to emphasize that an option is not just theoretically conceivable, but also realistically achievable given the available resources and constraints.

Common error

Avoid using "a practical possibility" when a simpler "possibility" will suffice. Use "practical" to highlight that the possibility has been rigorously evaluated and found to be viable, not just conceivable. If you can't assess the viability, just say it is a "possibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a practical possibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes something that is not only conceivable but also realistically achievable given certain conditions. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a practical possibility" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe something that is realistically achievable. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's found frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, emphasizing feasibility and realism. When using the phrase, ensure you're highlighting the viability of an option, not just its theoretical existence. Alternatives such as "a realistic prospect" or "a feasible option" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to reserve "a practical possibility" to point at viability and realistic chances that can occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a realistic prospect

Emphasizes the likelihood and feasibility of something happening.

a feasible option

Highlights the workability and viability of a choice or course of action.

a viable alternative

Stresses that something is capable of succeeding or functioning.

an achievable goal

Focuses on the attainability of a specific objective.

a workable solution

Indicates that a proposed answer or method can be successfully implemented.

a real chance

Suggests a genuine opportunity exists.

a tenable proposition

Implies that something is defensible and able to be maintained.

a sound strategy

Indicates a well-reasoned and effective approach.

a promising avenue

Highlights that a particular path or approach shows potential for success.

a likely scenario

Focuses on something that is probable and expected to occur.

FAQs

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

You can use "a practical possibility" to describe a scenario or option that is realistic and achievable, such as: "Given the new budget, expanding the team is now "a practical possibility"".

What's the difference between "a practical possibility" and "a realistic possibility"?

While both phrases suggest something is achievable, "a practical possibility" emphasizes the feasibility of the option based on available resources and constraints, whereas "a realistic possibility" focuses more on its likelihood of occurring.

Are there any synonyms for "a practical possibility"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a feasible option", "a viable alternative", or "an achievable goal" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is not just conceivable, but also realistically attainable given the current circumstances and available resources. For example, "Implementing the new software this quarter is "a practical possibility" if we allocate sufficient resources."