barely a possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely a possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is unlikely or has a very low chance of occurring. Example: "Given the current circumstances, a successful outcome is barely a possibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But that's the thing: for now flying cars are almost just barely a possibility for one percenters.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But judging by the prices of federal funds futures, a rate cut this year barely considered a possibility at the beginning of July is now priced in as a virtual certainty.In fact, markets may be too optimistic about the odds of a cut.

The Economist

Always a possibility.

The New York Times

Surgery remains a possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

That remains a possibility.

The Economist

"That is a possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Canada is a possibility.

The Economist

College remained a possibility.

The New Yorker

a possibility.

Harvard University

Was that a possibility?

The New York Times

It is a possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "barely a possibility" with other qualifying phrases to emphasize the unlikelihood, such as "Given the circumstances, a positive outcome is barely a possibility at all".

Common error

Avoid using "barely a possibility" when a situation is actually impossible. This phrase implies a small chance, so using it in situations with zero chance can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely a possibility" functions as a qualifier, expressing a low degree of probability or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to express something improbable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely a possibility" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a very low probability of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for expressing improbability. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are accurately representing the likelihood of the event, and consider alternatives like "slim chance" or "remote chance" for similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote chance

Indicates a very small chance of something happening.

slim chance

Similar to remote chance, emphasizing the low probability.

slight possibility

Suggests a small chance, but more affirmative than "barely".

unlikely prospect

Highlights that something is improbable or not expected.

minimal likelihood

Emphasizes the very low probability of an event.

scarcely imaginable

Implies that something is difficult to conceive or believe.

hardly conceivable

Similar to scarcely imaginable, focusing on the difficulty of imagining something.

doubtful outcome

Suggests that a positive result is uncertain or improbable.

questionable prospect

Highlights that something is uncertain and open to doubt.

outside chance

Implies a very small chance, often against the odds.

FAQs

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

You can use "barely a possibility" to express that something is very unlikely but not entirely impossible. For example, "With the current market conditions, a quick recovery is "barely a possibility"."

What are some alternatives to "barely a possibility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "slim chance", "remote chance", or "slight possibility". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "slim chance" suggests a very small chance, while "slight possibility" is a bit more affirmative.

Is it grammatically correct to say "barely a possibility"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is used in both written and spoken language.

What's the difference between "barely a possibility" and "no possibility"?

"Barely a possibility" implies that there is a very small chance of something happening, whereas "no possibility" means that it is completely impossible. Consider the context to determine which phrase is more appropriate.