cannot exclude the possibility that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cannot exclude the possibility that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you’re making a statement about the uncertainty of an outcome. For example, "I cannot exclude the possibility that further testing will be required to make a diagnosis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot exclude the possibility that better results might have been found with a larger sample.

Critical Care

The IAEA cannot exclude the possibility that the Iranian programme has military aspects.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, the authors cannot exclude the possibility that other unmeasured factors may be influencing this association.

Duke University

We cannot exclude the possibility that LV dilatation might have occurred at later time points.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Thus, we cannot exclude the possibility that PTSD and migraine status were underreported in our study.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Therefore, we cannot exclude the possibility that luminal stenosis was overestimated on fused images.

Insights into Imaging

Therefore, we cannot exclude the possibility that ET-1 was affected at translation or posttranslational level.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Of course, we cannot exclude the possibility that other unidentified proteins may contribute to their association.

Protein & Cell

However, we cannot exclude the possibility that the alleles we investigated are associated with smaller risks.

Plosone

Thus, we cannot exclude the possibility that learning or training effects might have biased the results.

Plosone

However, we cannot exclude the possibility that kinase activity has changed in SGKS422D.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot exclude the possibility that", follow it with a clear and specific explanation of what that possibility entails to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "cannot exclude the possibility that" in a single document. Frequent repetition can make your writing sound repetitive and less confident. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms or restructuring sentences to express uncertainty in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot exclude the possibility that" functions as an epistemic hedge, softening a claim by acknowledging uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usage to express a degree of uncertainty in scientific and other types of statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

News & Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot exclude the possibility that" is a frequently used phrase, particularly in scientific and academic contexts, to express uncertainty and acknowledge potential alternative explanations or outcomes. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. While versatile, it is best used with specificity and avoided in excessive repetition. Alternatives like "cannot rule out" or "the possibility remains" can add variety and nuance to your writing. The phrase functions as an epistemic hedge, softening claims and promoting balanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot exclude the probability that

Replaces "possibility" with "probability", focusing on the likelihood of an event.

cannot exclude the potential that

Substitutes "possibility" with "potential", highlighting the inherent capacity for something to occur.

cannot disregard the possibility that

Replaces "exclude" with "disregard", suggesting a less forceful rejection of the possibility.

cannot discount the possibility that

Uses "discount" instead of "exclude", implying a reduction in the importance or likelihood of the possibility.

cannot exclude the scenario that

Replaces "possibility" with "scenario", framing the uncertainty as a hypothetical situation.

cannot exclude the hypothesis that

Substitutes "possibility" with "hypothesis", presenting the uncertainty within a scientific or investigative context.

cannot dismiss the possibility that

Replaces "exclude" with "dismiss", conveying a slightly stronger rejection of the possibility, though still acknowledging it.

cannot exclude the risk that

Replaces "possibility" with "risk", emphasizing the potential for a negative outcome.

cannot exclude the chance that

Substitutes "possibility" with "chance", indicating a less certain or predictable outcome.

the possibility remains that

A simpler, more direct way of stating that something is still possible.

FAQs

How to use "cannot exclude the possibility that" in a sentence?

Use "cannot exclude the possibility that" when acknowledging a potential outcome or factor that hasn't been disproven. For example, "We cannot exclude the possibility that environmental factors contribute to the disease."

What can I say instead of "cannot exclude the possibility that"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot rule out", "cannot dismiss", or "the possibility remains" depending on the context.

Is "cannot exclude the possibility that" formal or informal?

"Cannot exclude the possibility that" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal contexts.

How does "cannot exclude the possibility that" differ from "it is impossible that"?

"Cannot exclude the possibility that" acknowledges a potential, even if unlikely, outcome. "It is impossible that" expresses a stronger conviction that something will not occur. The first indicates uncertainty; the second, certainty.