a probable option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a probable option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing choices or alternatives that are likely or possible in a given context. Example: "Given the circumstances, choosing the less expensive plan seems to be a probable option for our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That power plant is a probable option for the rest of the world.

The New York Times

REBOUNDS The Nets' shooting guard KENDALL GILL flew back to New Jersey on Saturday to have his right knee further evaluated, and surgery is a probable option.

The New York Times - Sports

In recent weeks General Motors had reportedly started considering keeping its European brands (See "GM Might Keep Opel After All"), and analysts say this is a probable option for the storied American carmaker.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

First division trigeminal neuralgia with tearing was a less probable option due to the lack of refractory periods between provoked attacks; a refractory period of 2 3 min is very frequent in trigeminal neuralgia, while the great majority of SUNCT patients in the case series of Pareja and Sjaastad [13] did not experience any refractory period after pain triggering.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Although the mechanism by which GAPDH is inhibited by combination treatment is not definitively known, there are a few probable options.

Cell Death and Disease

(c) The most probable option is κ1.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

The inference engine will drive the decision tree to explore the most probable option of numerical model and parameters matching the real problem specifications.

Advances in Engineering Software

Grant-supported salararelyarely have a citizenship requirement, so, although your new advisor will no doubt be much happier if you are able to acquire your own support, support from your advisor's research grant is the most probable option.

Science Magazine

Local preferential bias, one of the core theoretical concepts of the study mandates the support for the hypothesis that the local ones are the probable option for this round.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Hence, using the comprehensive list of potentially relevant attributes as a guide (Table  1), participants were asked to identify probable options for each attribute.

BMC Health Services Research

"Istanbul has expressed its readiness to host these talks and is still one of the probable options for hosting these negotiations," Mr. Salehi said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a probable option" with clarifying details: to explain why you assess something as probable, for example, "Due to budget constraints, choosing the less expensive plan seems to be a probable option."

Common error

Avoid using "a probable option" when the outcome is already known or highly predictable. In such cases, use more decisive language like "the only option" or "the definite outcome."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a probable option" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object within a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes a potential course of action or outcome that is considered likely. The phrase indicates a degree of possibility that is more than merely conceivable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a probable option" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe choices or outcomes that are likely but not certain. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science, suggesting a balanced assessment of possibilities. While not frequently used, alternatives like "a likely choice" or "a feasible alternative" can provide similar nuance. When employing this phrase, consider the degree of certainty you wish to convey, avoiding its use when the outcome is already definite. This ensures clarity and accuracy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a likely choice

Emphasizes the higher possibility of being selected or happening.

a feasible alternative

Highlights the practicality and workability of another solution.

a possible solution

Indicates a potential resolution, though not necessarily the most likely.

a potential course of action

Suggests a possible path to take, stressing future possibilities.

a reasonable selection

Focuses on the logical and sensible nature of the pick.

a viable route

Implies a practical and achievable way to proceed.

a promising avenue

Highlights the potential for positive results or success.

a prospective candidate

Emphasizes the possibility of someone or something fulfilling a specific role or requirement.

a tenable substitute

Indicates an acceptable and defensible replacement.

a credible prospect

Highlights the believability and potential of a future outcome.

FAQs

What does "a probable option" mean?

It means a choice or possibility that is likely to occur or be selected, but not guaranteed. It suggests a strong likelihood but leaves room for other possibilities.

How can I use "a probable option" in a sentence?

You can use it when discussing potential solutions, alternatives, or outcomes. For example, "Surgery is "a probable option" for treating the injury, but we need to consider the risks."

What are some alternatives to "a probable option"?

Alternatives include "a likely choice", "a feasible alternative", or "a possible solution", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it best to use "a probable option" versus "a possible option"?

"A probable option" suggests a higher degree of likelihood than "a possible option". Use "a probable option" when there's evidence or reasoning to suggest that the choice or outcome is more likely to occur.