an obvious possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'an obvious possibility' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a conclusion or suggestion that is easily deduced, for example: "Given the circumstances, it is an obvious possibility that the thief had a partner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

There is an obvious possibility for heat recovery for further power generation from the exhaust heat.

Energy

Their existence was not known on the surface, but it was an obvious possibility and, of course, one desperately hoped for.

The New York Times - Books

It's mechanical, because every single thing that happens in a piece of Forum theatre has to create an obvious possibility for intervention.

The Guardian

Few expect the venerable electrical giant to survive in its present form, and getting out of DRAM production is an obvious possibility.

The Economist

I hadn't expected, though, to find that someone whose work had ranged so widely had no curiosity about such an obvious possibility for enlarging the imagination, or to have been so indifferent to it.

The New Yorker

His endeavor to disappear would strike most intimates of such a man as an obvious possibility, but it doesn't strike her until she examines her supposedly dead husband's passport photograph when Locke's luggage is returned to her in London.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

A rather obvious possibility is protection against infection with exogenous viruses and the results of Taylor and Bruenn provide some indirect support for this hypothesis.

BMC Biology

But since photography is by nature a prolific medium, and practically anyone can take a picture, some less obvious possibility than a paucity of pictures must be at play.

The New York Times - Arts

Cystitis glandularis is a benign disease with obvious possibility of malignant change [ 3].

BioMed Research International

One obvious possibility is an overall lower activity or reduced motivation for novelty of CHTHET-6OHDA mice, resulting in shorter exploration time.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

The most obvious possibility is South Carolina, a neighbor that has a broadly similar industry mix.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an obvious possibility" to introduce a point that is easily deduced or understood. It's most effective when the context clearly supports the likelihood of the possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious possibility" as a shortcut in arguments that require nuanced reasoning. Ensure that the possibility is genuinely obvious, not just presented as such.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious possibility" functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating something that is easily recognized as a potential outcome or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an obvious possibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a potential scenario or explanation that is readily apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in science and news media, it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Remember to ensure the 'possibility' is genuinely obvious to avoid weakening your argument, and consider using alternatives like "a clear possibility" or "a likely prospect" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear possibility

Replaces 'obvious' with 'clear', focusing on the ease of understanding rather than the inevitability.

a distinct possibility

Substitutes 'obvious' with 'distinct', emphasizing the recognizability and definition of the possibility.

a likely prospect

Changes 'possibility' to 'prospect', suggesting anticipation and probability.

a probable outcome

Shifts from 'possibility' to 'outcome', highlighting the potential result or consequence.

an evident potential

Replaces 'possibility' with 'potential', emphasizing inherent capacity or capability that is plain to see.

a patent opportunity

Changes 'possibility' to 'opportunity', focusing on a chance or opening that is readily apparent.

an easily seen alternative

Rephrases the entire expression to emphasize the ease with which one can identify an alternate course of action.

a readily apparent option

Emphasizes that the option is noticeable and available immediately.

a straightforward solution

Focuses on the direct and uncomplicated nature of the resolution.

a self-evident conclusion

Highlights that the conclusion is obvious without needing further explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "an obvious possibility" in a sentence?

Use "an obvious possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or explanation that is readily apparent given the available information. For example, "Given the lack of security, theft was "an obvious possibility"."

What are some alternatives to "an obvious possibility"?

You can use phrases like "a clear possibility", "a likely prospect", or "a probable outcome" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "an obvious possibility"?

While grammatically correct, "an obvious possibility" should be used judiciously. It's most effective when the possibility truly is evident, and not a mere assumption presented as such. Overusing it can weaken your argument.

What's the difference between "an obvious possibility" and "a distinct possibility"?

"An obvious possibility" implies something is easily seen or understood, while "a distinct possibility" emphasizes the clear and defined nature of the possibility. The former is about ease of perception, the latter about clarity.