certain possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'certain possibility' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a circumstance that might happen, but you are not certain that it will. For example, "There's a certain possibility that I'll be able to take the day off work tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Still, he added, "there is a certain possibility that it would have some effect".

The New York Times

In a more serious vein is the almost certain possibility of privacy issues and ubiquitous advertisements.

The New York Times - Tech

For infiltration of groundwater into the subsurface and certain possibility of groundwater prospects, slope forms the main factor.

Applied Water Science

Insofar as the odd-sounding utterances Lewis cites state the fallibilist idea, the latter portion thereof ('S cannot eliminate a certain possibility in which not-p', e.g).

SEP

Therefore, there exists certain possibility that the prevention of ATP-induced cell death by oxATP may not be solely through the blockade of P2X7R.

Cell Death and Disease

When interpreting our results, it should be considered that there is a certain possibility that the oocytes remain in the aspiration needle during the aspiration and are therefore washed back into the follicle during flushing.

Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Your partner's character gives you certain possibilities and you give them possibilities.

The Guardian - Books

Such a lineage exposed a boy to certain possibilities, and Michael had done well by them.

The New Yorker

As they grow older and absorb more evidence, certain possibilities become much more likely and more useful.

The New York Times

The Icon is the first earpiece with software you can modify or add on to, which opens up certain possibilities.

The New York Times - Tech

And speculation here was that the Cheney selection elevated certain possibilities for Mr. Gore, like Senators John Kerry of Massachusetts and John Edwards of North Carolina.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain possibility", consider the level of formality required by your context. It is suitable for formal writing but may sound overly cautious in casual conversation. A more direct expression, like "likely chance", might be preferable for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "certain possibility" when you actually mean something is highly probable or almost guaranteed. The phrase implies a level of uncertainty, so ensure your word choice accurately reflects your intended meaning. Don't say "There's a "certain possibility" that the sun will rise tomorrow" because in this specific case is not an accurate usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain possibility" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or event that has a non-negligible chance of occurring. It acknowledges uncertainty while still emphasizing that the event is within the realm of potential outcomes, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain possibility" is a grammatically sound way to express that something has a chance of occurring, although it is not guaranteed. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this expression. Its usage frequency is relatively uncommon, appearing more often in science, news and media, and encyclopedias sources. While it conveys a cautious and measured tone, using alternatives such as "distinct likelihood" may improve clarity depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid using "certain possibility" when you mean something is highly probable, as it can dilute the accuracy of your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct likelihood

Replaces "possibility" with a stronger synonym, emphasizing the chance of occurrence.

real prospect

Focuses on the potential for a positive outcome, suggesting anticipation.

definite chance

Highlights the element of chance with a degree of certainty.

clear potential

Emphasizes inherent capabilities or untapped opportunities.

plausible scenario

Suggests a possible sequence of events that is believable.

conceivable eventuality

Indicates something that could happen, although perhaps not probable.

credible option

Implies that a choice or alternative is believable and worth considering.

likely outcome

Directly addresses what will probably result from a situation.

realistic expectation

Emphasizes reasonableness in anticipating a future occurrence.

foreseeable circumstance

Highlights the anticipation of something happening in the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "certain possibility" to describe an event that might occur but isn't guaranteed. For example, "There is a "certain possibility" that the meeting will be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances".

What's the difference between "certain possibility" and "high probability"?

"Certain possibility" suggests something might happen, while "high probability" indicates it's likely to happen. The latter implies a greater degree of likelihood.

Are there synonyms for "certain possibility" that I can use in formal writing?

Yes, you could use alternatives like "distinct likelihood" or "plausible scenario" to maintain a formal tone.

Is "certain possibility" redundant?

While "certain" might seem to contradict the uncertainty implied by "possibility", the phrase is used to emphasize that despite the uncertainty, there is a real and definite chance of something occurring. It's not strictly redundant, but its effectiveness depends on the context.