a remote prospect

USAGE SUMMARY

"a remote prospect" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to describe something that is unlikely or distant in possibility or likelihood. Example: "Winning the lottery may seem like a remote prospect, but it doesn't hurt to dream." In this sentence, "a remote prospect" is used to convey the idea that winning the lottery is not very likely, but it is still possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But it can seem a remote prospect.

The Economist

But that now seems a remote prospect.

The New York Times

But redemptive victory is still a remote prospect.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a remote prospect at the moment.

The Guardian

Production costs at that level would make profitability a remote prospect.

The Guardian - Film

Given the latest data from the US, China, Japan and Germany that looks a remote prospect.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Tim Buckley, a former Citibank analyst now working with the pro-renewable energy Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, said the numbers revealed in the company's December 2015 quarter results meant it had "a very remote prospect" of funding a new multibillion-dollar coalmine.

The Guardian

The Second Law of Thermodynamics, with its entropic vision of a running-down universe aeons and aeons hence, may seem an impossibly remote prospect for a literary sensibility to focus on productively.

The New Yorker

The supreme court ruled that he is a "benign spirit" with a "clean record" for whom "violent criminality must be a very remote prospect indeed".

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, some polls for the presidency show something similar to those for Mexico state's governorship, with the PRI and PAN close, and the PRD a not-too-distant third.On June 30th, opposition unity became a more remote prospect, not so much because of what happened six new parties were registered and the PAN opened nominations for its presidential candidate as because of what did not.

The Economist

He said there is a "not remote" prospect the high court may find loss of citizenship is a punitive step as it is a form of "civil death", although he noted the court had upheld the power to revoke visas and the argument was "possibly not as strong" as the first.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a remote prospect" to objectively describe a situation where the likelihood of a particular outcome is low. Avoid using it when you want to express strong disapproval or certainty of failure, as it maintains a degree of possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a remote prospect" when the outcome is definitively impossible. The phrase implies a small chance, so use stronger language if the outcome is entirely out of the question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a remote prospect" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the likelihood of a future event or outcome. As indicated by Ludwig, it implies a low probability but not necessarily an impossibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a remote prospect" is a commonly used phrase to indicate a low probability of something occurring. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. While it conveys a low likelihood, it does not necessarily imply impossibility. Therefore, it's crucial to use this phrase when there's still a degree of possibility, however small. Alternatives such as ""a slim chance"" or ""an unlikely outcome"" can be used for similar effect, depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slim chance

Emphasizes the low probability of something happening.

a distant possibility

Highlights that something is not likely to occur in the near future or under current circumstances.

an unlikely outcome

Focuses on the improbability of a specific result or consequence.

a faint hope

Suggests a minimal amount of optimism despite unfavorable conditions.

a long shot

Implies that success is highly improbable, requiring significant luck or effort.

a negligible possibility

Highlights the almost non-existent chance of something occurring.

a pie in the sky

Refers to something that is considered unrealistic or unattainable.

a pipe dream

Suggests a fanciful or unrealistic plan that is unlikely to materialize.

hardly a possibility

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of something, almost negating its potential.

against the odds

Highlights that the chances of success are very small.

FAQs

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

You can use "a remote prospect" to describe something that is unlikely to happen. For example, "Winning the championship this year seems "a remote prospect" given our team's current performance".

What are some alternatives to "a remote prospect"?

Some alternatives include "a slim chance", "an unlikely outcome", or "a distant possibility". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a remote prospect" or "an unlikely event"?

Both phrases are valid, but "a remote prospect" often implies a slightly more nuanced understanding of the situation, acknowledging that while improbable, the event is not impossible. "An unlikely event" simply states that something is not expected.

Can "a remote prospect" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "a remote prospect" is appropriate for both formal and informal settings. Its neutrality makes it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios.