bad possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad possibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to unfavorable or undesirable outcomes or scenarios that could occur in a given situation. Example: "While planning the project, we must consider the bad possibilities that could arise if we don't meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Well, there are many bad possibilities.

The Guardian - Books

But then the clouds gather above the sea, and my idle mind conjures up bad possibilities the way one might dream of chocolate cake.

The New York Times

Even the best outcomes now imaginable — like de facto partition and routine terrorism but no civil war — bear more than a passing resemblance to what were once considered disastrously bad possibilities.

The New York Times - Magazine

This concerns, of course, also the avoidance of bad possibilities.

European Journal of Futures Research

Most likely, you will be forgotten as soon as you're through the security checkpoint, but it is best to prepare for both good and bad possibilities.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Go through each step and write down each bad possibility.

WikiHow

Too bad such volatile possibilities for a fabulous stage character remain untapped.

The New York Times

Science is a testing of ideas, discarding bad ones, narrowing possibilities, happening on entirely new ideas in the process.

The New York Times - Science

But in China, where the potential is so strong that economic growth of 5 to 7 percent is seen as a bad year, the possibilities are endless.

The New York Times

Caveat emptor policies in which the buyer takes on the entire onus of a bad transaction ignore the possibility that, if enough consumers make enough bad decisions, our economy will spin out of control.

Forbes

In the extreme, it leads somewhere between indifference to the possibility bad choices may create human suffering and outright cruelty.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In risk assessment reports, clearly outline "bad possibilities" with specific details about their potential impact and likelihood to inform decision-making processes.

Common error

While "bad possibilities" is understandable, avoid relying on it too frequently in formal reports or academic papers. Instead, diversify your language by using more precise terms such as "unfavorable outcomes", "adverse consequences", or "potential risks" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad possibilities" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'bad' modifies the noun 'possibilities'. This structure denotes potential outcomes or scenarios that are undesirable or negative. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples where it's used to describe unfavorable situations that need consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

22%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad possibilities" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe potential negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, effectively modified by the adjective "bad". While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across various domains, including News & Media, Wiki and Science, with the primary goal of highlighting risks and encouraging caution. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "unfavorable outcomes" or "potential risks" can add precision and sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative potentials

Replaces "possibilities" with "potentials", maintaining a similar level of formality but slightly altering the emphasis.

unfavorable prospects

Substitutes both words to convey a more formal and pessimistic outlook.

adverse outcomes

Focuses on the results or consequences being negative, suitable for risk assessments.

poor prospects

This is a more direct and less formal way of saying that the possibilities are not good.

bleak outlook

Emphasizes the lack of positive potential, highlighting a generally pessimistic future.

grim prospects

Shares the same meaning but using a slightly different adjective. "Grim" suggest something more grave and serious.

worrisome developments

Shifts the focus to evolving situations that raise concern, implying potential negative outcomes.

dire eventualities

This highlights that the negative possibilities could have catastrophic or terrible consequences.

undesirable consequences

Emphasizes the negative impact of potential results, useful when discussing repercussions.

risky scenarios

Focuses on situations involving danger or hazard, implying the potential for harm.

FAQs

How can I use "bad possibilities" in a sentence?

You can use "bad possibilities" to describe potential negative outcomes. For example: "We need to consider the "bad possibilities" before making a decision".

What are some alternatives to saying "bad possibilities"?

Alternatives include "unfavorable outcomes", "negative scenarios", or "potential risks", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "bad possibilities"?

Yes, "bad possibilities" is grammatically correct. The adjective "bad" appropriately modifies the noun "possibilities".

When is it most appropriate to use "bad possibilities" versus other alternatives?

"Bad possibilities" is suitable for general discussions. For formal contexts or when emphasizing impact, consider using "adverse consequences" or "unfavorable outcomes". When you want to emphasize risk consider "potential risks".