a very real possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very real possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that is likely to happen or is a genuine option to consider. Example: "Given the current circumstances, a very real possibility is that we may need to adjust our project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ulm considers this a very real possibility.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That now looks like a very real possibility.

Independent

A trade, then, has become a very real possibility.

The New York Times

"It looks like that is a very real possibility".

The New York Times - Sports

Harvard, however, was a very real possibility, since Washington admired the character of its graduates.

Princeton University

"I think criminal charges are a very real possibility," Mr. Cuomo said.

The New York Times

There is a very real possibility of a recession in 2012 or 2013," Mr. O'Kelly said.

The New York Times

But there is a very real possibility he could determine that majority.

The New York Times

Yet losing Missouri was a very real possibility for the Union.

The New York Times

There is a very real possibility that within weeks Ms Sturgeon may give Brexit the nod.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet, congressional intervention that would undermine the U.S. position is a very real possibility.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a very real possibility" when you want to emphasize the genuine likelihood of an event or outcome, especially when countering skepticism or doubt.

Common error

While acceptable in many settings, avoid overusing "a very real possibility" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the specific degree of likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very real possibility" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase introduces a situation, event, or outcome that has a significant chance of occurring.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very real possibility" is a versatile phrase used to express a genuine likelihood or potential outcome. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. While alternatives like "a distinct possibility" or "a significant likelihood" exist, "a very real possibility" effectively conveys a sense of authenticity and heightened chance. Be mindful of the context and consider more formal options for highly academic settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct possibility

Replaces "very real" with "distinct", suggesting a clear and noticeable chance.

a strong possibility

Substitutes "very real" with "strong", indicating a high likelihood.

a genuine possibility

Replaces "real" with "genuine", emphasizing authenticity.

a definite possibility

Uses "definite" instead of "real", suggesting a certainty in the chance.

a credible possibility

Replaces "real" with "credible", focusing on believability.

a substantial likelihood

Changes the structure to use "likelihood" instead of "possibility", indicating a significant probability.

a significant chance

Replaces "possibility" with "chance", suggesting a notable opportunity.

a realistic prospect

Uses "realistic prospect" to convey a practical expectation.

a considerable probability

Employs "considerable probability" for a more formal tone, indicating a notable likelihood.

well within the realm of possibility

Expands the phrase to highlight that something is plausibly achievable or can happen.

FAQs

How can I use "a very real possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "a very real possibility" to express that something could genuinely happen. For example, "Given the economic downturn, job losses are "a very real possibility"".

What are some alternatives to "a very real possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "a distinct possibility", "a strong possibility", or "a significant likelihood" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey. These options offer similar meanings while varying slightly in emphasis.

Is it redundant to say "a very real possibility"?

While "possibility" itself implies something that could happen, adding "very real" emphasizes the genuineness and likelihood of that possibility. It's not strictly redundant, but rather serves to strengthen the assertion.

How does the formality of "a very real possibility" compare to its alternatives?

"A very real possibility" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Alternatives like "a substantial likelihood" or "a considerable probability" may be more appropriate for highly formal or academic writing.