a slight possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slight possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a low likelihood or chance of something occurring. Example: "There is a slight possibility that it might rain tomorrow, so you may want to bring an umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I think it's a slight possibility.

The Guardian - Film

A slight possibility to relax becomes an alcohol or drugs abuse.

Stanford University

Even though the Mets emphasized that they would not retaliate, they left open a slight possibility that something could happen.

The New York Times - Sports

There is a slight possibility that without this settlement, ratepayers could have had to shoulder some of the costs".

The New York Times

At best, petitioner has demonstrated only that there exists a slight possibility that the jury considered itself precluded from considering mitigating evidence.

Cornell University

Surani says there is only a slight possibility that grandchildren are affected and that he has seen no evidence in generations beyond that.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is a very slight possibility, but it is possible".

Independent

If the burning-hair smell continues for more than a day, and your hair is not actually burning (which happens in only a small number of cases), there is a very slight possibility that you are having a stroke.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hesse, who said he's never worked anywhere but on a farm, said there's a very slight possibility of restarting the business.

The New York Times

In research that could aid decisions about future asteroids on a collision course with Earth, MIT scientists have for the first time determined the composition of a near-Earth asteroid that has a very slight possibility of someday hitting our planet.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In a blog post on The New York Times Web site this year, Jun Morikawa, a professor of international relations at Rakuno Gakuen University in Sapporo, Japan, cited a "slight — very slight — possibility" that the Japanese government could move to end research whaling to strengthen relations with anti-whaling powers like the United States and the European Union, as well as Australia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slight possibility", ensure the context clarifies what event or outcome has the small chance of occurring. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a clearer understanding of the risk or opportunity being discussed.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of something when describing it as having "a slight possibility". This phrase inherently implies a low likelihood, so avoid following it with language that suggests a high level of concern or excitement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight possibility" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the degree of likelihood of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science & Research

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slight possibility" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a low probability of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct for use in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While its usage is widespread, remember to pair it with clear contextual information to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as ""a slim chance"" and "a remote possibility" offer similar nuanced expressions of likelihood. Steer clear of exaggerating the impact, as this could undermine the core meaning of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marginal possibility

Emphasizes the small degree of possibility.

a remote possibility

Suggests the possibility is far-fetched or unlikely.

a faint chance

Highlights the weakness or unlikelihood of the chance.

a slim chance

Indicates the chance is very narrow or thin.

a small chance

Uses a more general term for 'small' to describe the probability.

a minimal chance

Focuses on the extremely low degree of probability.

a negligible possibility

Implies the possibility is so small it can be disregarded.

a low probability

Uses the term 'probability' directly to express the low chance.

a distant prospect

Highlights the remoteness and unlikelihood of the event happening.

a long shot

An idiomatic expression indicating a low chance of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight possibility" to express a low likelihood of something occurring. For example, "There's "a slight possibility" that the meeting will be postponed if the CEO is unavailable".

What are some alternatives to saying "a slight possibility"?

Alternatives include "a slim chance", "a faint hope", or "a remote chance", which all suggest a low probability.

Is it better to say "a slight possibility" or "a small possibility"?

Both "a slight possibility" and "a small possibility" are correct, but "a slight possibility" often implies an even lower likelihood than "a small possibility". The choice depends on the specific degree of probability you want to convey.

What does "a slight possibility" imply about the chance of something happening?

"A slight possibility" suggests there is a small, but not entirely absent, chance of something happening. It's more than just wishful thinking but less than a realistic expectation.