a small possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood of an event or outcome occurring, indicating that there is a chance, albeit a minor one. Example: "There is a small possibility that it might rain tomorrow, so you may want to bring an umbrella just in case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a small possibility [of him playing against Chelsea].

The Times

Maybe it's a small chance, a small possibility.

The New York Times

That worst-case scenario, as industry officials refer to it, is a small possibility.

The New York Times

"There is a small possibility that something still survived," Fatima's father said.

Independent

But he reckons that there is a small possibility his team has discovered something important.

The Economist

There's a small possibility, in other words, that that proposal would cost charities more than it earned the government.

The Washington Post

Still, patients will need to be monitored for liver cancer, a small possibility that has been observed in mice.

The New York Times - Health

No one has been dropped and there is only a small possibility of any change to the final XI.

The Guardian - Sport

"Why would they put everything on the line for such a small possibility that they would get away with this?

The New York Times - Sports

However, he added, there was a small possibility Alfie could be cared for at home or in a hospice "for his final days or hours".

The Guardian

"Daily values will be most likely to stay above 400 ppm, although values slightly below remain a small possibility," the researchers note.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use qualifiers such as 'however', 'though', or 'despite' to balance the statement, especially when the small possibility contrasts with a more dominant or expected outcome.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of "a small possibility". Present it as a minor factor, not as a primary driver or expectation, to maintain credibility and avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small possibility" functions as a noun phrase that serves as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It expresses a degree of likelihood, indicating that something is not highly probable but still conceivable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small possibility" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate a low degree of likelihood. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, scientific discussions, and academic writing. While maintaining a neutral tone, it acknowledges potential outcomes without overstating their probability. When crafting your writing, be mindful of the phrase’s connotations and context, especially when considering alternative phrases such as "a slight chance" or "a remote possibility". Using "a small possibility" judiciously helps to ensure clarity and precision in expressing nuanced ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight chance

Emphasizes the low probability of something occurring.

a slim chance

Highlights the minimal likelihood of an event.

a remote possibility

Indicates that the event is unlikely or far-fetched.

a low probability

Focuses on the mathematical aspect of the event's occurrence.

a minimal risk

Shifts the focus to the potential negative outcome with a low chance of happening.

a distant prospect

Highlights that the event is far off in the future and not very likely.

a faint hope

Suggests a weak or fragile expectation for something to happen.

a negligible likelihood

Stresses that the chance of something happening is so small it's almost non-existent.

a theoretical possibility

Emphasizes that the event is possible in theory but unlikely in practice.

an outside chance

Indicates that success is improbable but not entirely impossible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small possibility" to indicate that something is not very likely but still possible. For example, "There is "a small possibility" that the game will be canceled due to weather".

What are some alternatives to "a small possibility"?

Alternatives include "a slight chance", "a slim chance", or "a remote possibility". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

Both "small possibility" and "slight possibility" are correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as they convey a similar meaning of low likelihood.

When should I use "a small possibility" instead of "no possibility"?

Use "a small possibility" when there is some chance, however unlikely, of an event occurring. If there is absolutely no chance, then "no possibility" is more appropriate.