a reasonable prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable prospect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or potential for a positive outcome in a given situation. Example: "After reviewing the market trends, we believe there is a reasonable prospect for growth in the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there is a reasonable prospect of success, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

[Greece] would stand a reasonable prospect of success".

The Guardian - Arts

It also means having a reasonable prospect of being able to do it.

The New York Times

LSC can only spend taxpayers' money where we believe there is a reasonable prospect of success".

The Guardian

There is a reasonable prospect that another court may come to a different finding, they say.

The Guardian

There must be a reasonable prospect of success: fishing expeditions are not justified".

The Guardian - Opinion

(6) A statement that there is a reasonable prospect of collecting an appropriate amount of penalties and assessments.

Cornell University

He has a panoply of options for forming a coalition government with a reasonable prospect of longevity.

The Economist

But the debate centred on how premature a baby can be and have a reasonable prospect of surviving.

The Economist

That means the innings total has not once reached 400, the point at which winning becomes a reasonable prospect.

Independent

But for the CPS to bring a prosecution there has to be "a reasonable prospect of conviction".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable prospect", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'reasonable' in that situation. Quantifying the likelihood can add precision to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable prospect" when the outcome is highly uncertain or based on speculation. This phrase implies a tangible likelihood, not just wishful thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable prospect" functions as a noun phrase, where "reasonable" modifies the noun "prospect". It signifies that there is a believable or likely possibility of something occurring. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, indicating likelihood or potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable prospect" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a tangible likelihood or potential for a positive outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. Its usage suggests a professional and objective tone, implying more than mere possibility but less than certainty. When writing, be sure to consider if you are overstating the certainty of something to align with its intended meaning. Considering viable alternatives like "a likely possibility" or "a plausible chance" will also enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a viable prospect

Indicates something is capable of working successfully; focuses on feasibility.

a serious prospect

Emphasizes the importance and likelihood of the prospect.

a plausible prospect

Highlights the believability and credibility of the prospect.

a realistic prospect

Suggests the prospect is grounded in reality and likely to occur.

a fair prospect

Implies a good or promising outlook.

a decent prospect

Indicates a satisfactory or acceptable possibility.

a good chance

Uses simpler language to convey a similar level of possibility.

a promising outlook

Focuses on the future and the potential for positive results.

a likely possibility

Highlights the probability of the prospect occurring.

a potential opportunity

Emphasizes the beneficial aspects of the prospect.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable prospect" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable prospect" to express that there is a good chance of a particular outcome. For example, "There is "a reasonable prospect" that the new policy will improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to saying "a reasonable prospect"?

Alternatives include "a viable prospect", "a plausible prospect", or "a realistic prospect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "a reasonable prospect" or "a good chance"?

"A reasonable prospect" is generally considered more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing, while "a good chance" is more informal and appropriate for casual conversation.

What does it mean when someone says there is "a reasonable prospect of conviction" in a legal context?

In law, "a reasonable prospect of conviction" means that there is sufficient evidence and legal basis to believe that a trial would likely result in a guilty verdict. If there isn't "a reasonable prospect" of conviction, then a trial shouldn't proceed.