an underlying possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a potential or latent option that may not be immediately apparent or obvious. Example: "While the project seems challenging, there is an underlying possibility of success if we approach it strategically."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Further, there could be an underlying possibility of cross reactivity with the tubercle bacilli in high burden countries and in BCG vaccinated individuals.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We sought to understand this role and the underlying possibilities for motor rehabilitation, by observing the execution of different motor-patterns during imitation in a VR environment in subjects with and without dopaminergic deficits.

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders

Some of the claims in the dossier may prove difficult to confirm — and, if refuted, they could embolden critics of the investigation to portray it as overly political — but Schiff seemed determined to use his time to persuade members of the public that they must consider the possibility of an underlying conspiracy at work.

The New Yorker

The possibility of an underlying malignancy should be considered when faced with a spontaneous ECF in an adult or elderly patient without history of recent surgery or IBD.

Insights into Imaging

However, the high prevalence of SRMS may point to the possibility of an underlying disorder.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Obviously, symptoms had induced concerns in the patients about the possibility of an underlying disease.

BMC Family Practice

It was suggested by some physicians that finding a tattoo during physical examination should alert to the possibility of an underlying wide range of psychopathological conditions [ 8- 10].

BMC Psychiatry

For this reason, it is important to take into account the occurence of missing data and the possibility of an underlying mecanism of missingness when analysing the dataset.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

12 Bizarre presentations and failure to respond to treatment should alert care providers to the possibility of an underlying immunologic problem.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

I think the Conclusion should also be changed to read:  'Antenatal ultrasound detection of an umbilical cyst, particularly if located close to the anterior abdominal wall of the fetus should alert the clinician to the possibility of an underlying patent urachus.

F1000Research

The possibility of an underlying disorder should always be ruled out.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ the phrase when discussing abstract concepts, hypotheses, or potential issues that are not explicitly stated but are present in the subtext or context.

Common error

Avoid using "an underlying possibility" when the potential outcome is already highly probable or evident. Instead, reserve it for situations where the possibility is less apparent and requires deeper analysis or consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying possibility" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a potential or latent chance that is not immediately obvious. According to Ludwig AI, it's often used to introduce potential causes or unapparent factors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underlying possibility" is a noun phrase used to denote a potential or latent chance that isn't immediately apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and is best used to introduce potential causes or factors. While primarily found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various discussions. Although examples are limited, the phrase presents a subtle way to suggest further investigation into less obvious elements influencing a situation. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "a latent potential" or "a hidden potential".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a latent potential

Replaces 'possibility' with 'potential' and 'underlying' with 'latent', suggesting something that exists but is not yet developed or obvious.

a hidden potential

Substitutes 'underlying' with 'hidden', emphasizing the concealed nature of the potential.

a concealed opportunity

Replaces 'possibility' with 'opportunity' and 'underlying' with 'concealed', highlighting a hidden chance.

a lurking chance

Changes 'underlying' to 'lurking', suggesting a chance that is present but not immediately apparent or active.

a fundamental likelihood

Replaces 'underlying' with 'fundamental', emphasizing a basic or essential probability.

a basic probability

Similar to the original but simplifies the phrase by using "basic" instead of "underlying".

a root cause

Shifts the focus from potential to the originating cause, implying a possibility stemming from the root.

an implicit chance

Uses 'implicit' instead of 'underlying', suggesting that the chance is implied but not directly expressed.

a subtle prospect

Replaces 'possibility' with 'prospect' and 'underlying' with 'subtle', indicating a delicate or understated potential.

a background factor

Changes the focus to a contributing element that may lead to something, implying the possibility.

FAQs

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

You can use "an underlying possibility" to introduce a potential factor or condition that isn't immediately obvious. For example, "Despite the project's challenges, there's "a latent potential" for significant growth."

What phrases are similar to "an underlying possibility"?

Alternatives include "a latent potential", "a hidden potential", or "a concealed opportunity". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an underlying possibility"?

Use it when you want to highlight a potential outcome or factor that is not immediately apparent but could influence the situation. It's suitable for scenarios where deeper analysis or consideration is required.

What's the difference between "an underlying possibility" and "a basic probability"?

"An underlying possibility" suggests a potential that is not immediately obvious or easily quantifiable, while "a basic probability" refers to a more straightforward and evident chance of something occurring.