consider possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consider possibilities" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to suggest that somebody should think about different options or outcomes. Example: As we plan for our company's growth, we need to consider possibilities for expansion into new markets.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The problem is that in everyday life when we think of something as possible we only really consider possibilities such as there is a 50 50 chance of rain or a 1 in 14 million chance of winning the lottery.

The Guardian

"Our door is always open to consider possibilities but we would need a real and valid reason to change," said one official.

The Guardian - Sport

If, as he put it, "you are operating on your default setting, then you, like me, probably won't consider possibilities that aren't annoying and miserable.

Independent

Doctors make such errors when their thinking is overly influenced by what is typically true; they fail to consider possibilities that contradict their mental templates of a disease, and thus attribute symptoms to the wrong cause.

The New Yorker

But as they sat in a conference room, Mr. Syron refused to consider possibilities for reducing Freddie Mac's risks, said Mr. Andrukonis, who left in 2005 to become a teacher.

The New York Times

Because many of the remaining buildings are fairly small, converting them to office space has proven too costly a proposition to generate developer interest, and it may therefore be time to consider possibilities like long-term care facilities, age-restricted housing and/or apartments, said John Reed, the chairman of the Fairfield Hills Authority, which oversees the property.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Consider possibility of using lower "probable victory" standard in deciding whether to initiate such cases.

The Guardian

Vice-president Joe Biden, Maryland governor Martin O'Malley and first-term Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren are also considered possibilities.

The Guardian

He is also currently considering possibilities in Vietnam, where he believes the company's new focus could make an impact.

TechCrunch

But consider the possibilities.

The New York Times

Consider the possibilities of Camden.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When brainstorming or problem-solving, use "consider possibilities" to encourage a broad exploration of potential solutions and approaches.

Common error

Avoid using "consider possibilities" without also acknowledging any limitations or constraints. Balancing open-mindedness with realism is crucial for effective decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consider possibilities" functions as a directive, urging someone to deliberate on potential options or outcomes. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from strategic planning to personal reflection.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "consider possibilities" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that encourages exploration of various options and potential outcomes. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it is prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While maintaining a neutral tone, the phrase serves as a directive to engage in open-minded thinking and thorough evaluation. Alternative phrases such as "explore options" or "examine prospects" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. When using the phrase, it is important to balance open-mindedness with a realistic acknowledgement of constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consider potentials

Replaces "possibilities" with a synonym, emphasizing inherent capacity.

explore possibilities

Shifts the focus to actively investigating potential options.

consider capabilities

Focuses on assessing existing abilities to achieve a goal.

consider probabilities

Emphasizes the likelihood of different outcomes.

consider advantages

Highlights the benefits that might arise.

consider means

Focuses on resources or methods available.

consider scenarios

Highlights hypothetical situations to think about.

consider solutions

Focuses on finding answers to problems.

conceive possibilities

Shifts the focus to inventing potential options.

analyze possibilities

Highlights a more in-depth investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "consider possibilities" to encourage exploration of options, as in: "The team needs to "consider possibilities" for expanding our market share."

What is a good alternative to "consider possibilities"?

Alternatives include "explore options", "examine prospects", or "weigh alternatives", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "consider possibility" or "consider possibilities"?

"Consider possibility" is used when referring to a single potential outcome, while "consider possibilities" is used when referring to multiple potential outcomes. The plural form is generally more common.

What does it mean to "consider possibilities"?

To "consider possibilities" means to think about and evaluate different potential outcomes, options, or solutions in a given situation.