a real possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"a real possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is plausible or likely to happen. For example: "The team's success is a real possibility this season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Failure was a real possibility.

The New York Times

Another recession is a real possibility.

The New York Times

Ryan called signing Thomas a "real possibility".

The New York Times - Sports

A credit collapse remains a real possibility.

The New York Times

But 2016 is a real possibility.

The New Yorker

But it is a real possibility.

The New York Times

Now, it is a real possibility.

The New York Times

Some read that as a real possibility.

The New York Times

Mass casualties were a real possibility".

The Guardian

But it's a real possibility.

The Guardian - Sport

Now that's a real possibility.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential future outcomes, "a real possibility" can be used to introduce scenarios that should be seriously considered in planning and decision-making processes.

Common error

Avoid using "a real possibility" when the event is highly improbable or based on speculation. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real possibility" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object complement. It identifies or describes a situation that is not just theoretically conceivable but has a genuine chance of occurring, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real possibility" is a versatile phrase used to convey that an event is likely or achievable, as indicated by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and widely accepted in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and business writing. While similar phrases such as "a distinct possibility" or "a strong likelihood" offer similar meanings, "a real possibility" provides a balanced and widely understood expression. When using this phrase, ensure that the described event is genuinely plausible to maintain credibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct and common usage makes it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct possibility

Emphasizes the clarity and noticeability of the possibility.

a strong likelihood

Indicates a high probability of something occurring.

a definite prospect

Suggests a clear and specific possibility for the future.

a viable option

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the possibility.

a credible scenario

Highlights the believability and plausibility of the possible event.

a genuine chance

Implies that the opportunity is authentic and not fabricated.

a legitimate expectation

Suggests that there is a reasonable basis for anticipating something.

a realistic hope

Focuses on the grounded and achievable nature of the desired outcome.

a potential outcome

Highlights that the event could happen, amongst other outcomes.

an existing chance

Emphasizes that a possibility already exists.

FAQs

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

You can use "a real possibility" to indicate that something is not just theoretically possible, but also practically achievable or likely. For example: "With the new strategy, success is "a real possibility"."

What are some alternatives to "a real possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong likelihood", "a distinct possibility", or "a viable option" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the real possibility" instead of "a real possibility"?

While "the real possibility" can be grammatically correct in specific contexts, "a real possibility" is generally used to introduce a single, specific scenario. "The real possibility" would be appropriate when referring to a previously mentioned or understood possibility.

What's the difference between "a real possibility" and "a potential possibility"?

"A potential possibility" is somewhat redundant because "possibility" already implies potential. Using just "a real possibility" is more concise and effective.