by possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a potential or hypothetical situation, often in contexts discussing likelihood or chance. Example: "By possibility, we could see a significant change in the weather patterns this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He was 19 and "radicalized" by possibility.

The New York Times

And as if by magic, the vagueness and futility dissipated, replaced by possibility.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or is this a satire, where ambition will be undone by possibility?

The Guardian - Arts

Even the past is haunted by possibility, since things might have happened differently.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gertrude, King Hamlet and Claudius have the rounded attributes of character-in-time: identity undermined by possibility.

The New York Times - Books

Ambition is fired by possibility, not by deprivation, as a tour through the world's poorest regions makes clear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

At a minimum, I'd be paralyzed by choices, smothered by possibilities.

The New York Times

Opportunity Davos is represented by possibilities opening up due to technology, emerging economies and women's empowerment.

The Guardian

Ms. Mauzey does well by "Possibilities," the one number from the score that has had any significant afterlife.

The New York Times

He was excited by space, by rockets, by exploration, by possibilities.

BBC

Let us praise those who dream big and achieve nothing, those undaunted by impossibilities, entrapped by possibilities!

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by possibility" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or potential outcome. It adds a formal tone to your writing, particularly in contexts discussing science or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "by possibility" when a simpler adverb like "possibly" or "potentially" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by possibility" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause, introducing a condition or potential outcome. Ludwig examples show its use in scientific and news contexts to express uncertainty or likelihood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by possibility" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to introduce potential or hypothetical scenarios. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while "by possibility" is correct, its usage is less frequent than alternatives like "possibly" or "potentially". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is more suited to formal and scientific contexts, where its nuanced expression of contingency is particularly useful. It is important to consider your audience and avoid overusing the phrase, as simpler adverbs can often achieve the same effect with greater clarity. Remember to use the alternative links above to explore alternatives such as "possibly" or "potentially".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possibly

Replaces the prepositional phrase with an adverb, indicating likelihood or chance.

potentially

Similar to 'possibly' but often suggests a capacity for development or future action.

by chance

Indicates something happening randomly or without a specific plan.

by any chance

Used to inquire if something is the case, suggesting uncertainty.

if possible

Indicates a conditional action dependent on feasibility.

within the realm of possibility

Emphasizes that something is conceivable or achievable.

given the possibility

Acknowledges the existence of a potential situation or outcome.

depending on the possibility

Highlights the dependence of an action or outcome on a potential event.

contingent on the possibility

Similar to 'depending on' but with a stronger emphasis on conditionality.

subject to the possibility

Indicates that something is liable to be affected by a potential event.

FAQs

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

You can use "by possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or scenario. For example, "By possibility, the experiment could yield unexpected results."

What phrases are similar to "by possibility"?

Alternatives to "by possibility" include "possibly", "potentially", or "by chance", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use "by possibility" or "possibly"?

While both are grammatically correct, "possibly" is generally more concise and frequently used. "By possibility" introduces a slightly more formal or theoretical tone. Consider your audience and the context when choosing between them.

What is the nuance between "by possibility" and "by potential"?

"By potential" suggests inherent capacity or capability, whereas "by possibility" suggests a chance or likelihood of something occurring. They are not always interchangeable; the best choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey.