a strong possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"a strong possibility" is grammatically correct and is used in written English.
You can use it when the context requires you to discuss the likelihood of something happening. For example: "The investigation is still ongoing, but authorities believe there is a strong possibility that the suspect committed the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A strong possibility".

The New Yorker

Season-ending surgery remains a strong possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Drowning was also a strong possibility.

Independent

At present, starving looks a strong possibility.

The Economist

Humiliation looked a strong possibility.

The Guardian - Sport

Given its starting advantages, this is still a strong possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

He hung up thinking the Jets presented "a strong possibility".

The New York Times - Sports

Reading between the lines, there is certainly a strong possibility.

Independent

"A second surgery is a strong possibility," Alderson said.

The New York Times - Sports

That seems a strong possibility at the moment.

Independent

Ismail Haniya, another Hamas leader in Gaza, is considered a strong possibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong possibility", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or outcome is being considered. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong possibility" when evidence is weak or speculative. Overstating the likelihood can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong possibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific degree of likelihood, indicating that an event or outcome is considerably probable. Ludwig provides examples of its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong possibility" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a high degree of likelihood. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, and to a lesser extent, in scientific and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context supports the level of certainty implied by the phrase. Alternatives such as "a distinct possibility" or "a likely scenario" can offer nuanced variations. Remember, while Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, responsible usage involves aligning the phrase with the available evidence and avoiding overstatements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct possibility

Emphasizes clarity and recognizability of the possibility.

a real possibility

Stresses the genuineness and tangibility of the potential.

a definite possibility

Suggests a higher degree of certainty or inevitability.

a viable possibility

Highlights the practicality and feasibility of the option.

a credible possibility

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the prospect.

a likely scenario

Shifts focus to a sequence of events that is probable.

a good prospect

Indicates favorability and potential positive outcomes.

a high probability

Uses more formal, statistical terminology to indicate likelihood.

a substantial chance

Emphasizes the considerable likelihood of something occurring.

within the realm of possibility

Expresses that something is conceivable, though not necessarily likely.

FAQs

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

Use "a strong possibility" to indicate that something has a high chance of occurring. For example, "Due to the positive market trends, there's "a strong possibility" of increased profits this quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a strong possibility"?

You can use alternatives such as "a distinct possibility", "a real possibility", or "a likely scenario" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'there is a strong possibility'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "there is a strong possibility". It's a common and accepted way to express that something is likely to happen.

What's the difference between "a strong possibility" and "a slight possibility"?

"A strong possibility" indicates a high likelihood of something occurring, while "a slight possibility" suggests that something is unlikely but still conceivable.