considering the possibility that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considering the possibility that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing hypothetical situations or evaluating potential outcomes. Example: "Considering the possibility that it might rain tomorrow, we should bring umbrellas to the picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I also now don't feel that my previous ranting on Leopard was fair considering the possibility that said hard drive was about to die a horrible death.

TechCrunch

Considering the possibility that rather motivated students responded, it is possible that scores would have been even more disappointing if the overall response rate had been higher.

BMC Palliative Care

But officials were considering the possibility that it was part of a terrorist plot.

The New York Times

I changed it to "ended" without even considering the possibility that it could cause any confusion.

The New Yorker

I started to prepare dinner, not even considering the possibility that Jeff might provide fresh fish.

The New York Times

Munoz and Loeb are considering the possibility that dark matter may have acted in a similar way.

Harvard University

■ The same guard "appears to have believed the allegations without considering the possibility that they have been fabricated".

The Guardian

Aristotle wrote a ten-book "History of Animals" without considering the possibility that animals actually had a history.

The New Yorker

(Later, security officials said they were also considering the possibility that a suicide bomber had set it off).

The New York Times

Investigators, who are still looking for the bag Daverio was carrying, are considering the possibility that he was walking near the river and slipped and fell on ice.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Malaysia's New Straits Times reported that investigators were considering the possibility that the Boeing-777 dropped to 5,000ft or potentially even lower to avoid detection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, using "considering the possibility that" can introduce a level of uncertainty or speculation, which is useful for exploring various scenarios or outcomes. This is supported by the large number of examples that Ludwig provides.

Common error

Avoid using "considering the possibility that" when presenting definitive conclusions or facts. This phrase is best suited for discussing hypothetical situations or evaluating potential outcomes, not for asserting established truths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considering the possibility that" functions as a discourse marker introducing a hypothetical scenario or a potential outcome under evaluation. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts to express uncertainty or speculation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "considering the possibility that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce speculation or hypothetical scenarios. Ludwig's analysis confirms this, displaying a wide range of examples across news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best employed to explore potential outcomes, not to state definitive facts. Alternative phrases like "taking into account the chance that" or "factoring in the likelihood that" can provide subtle shifts in meaning. In conclusion, this phrase is a valuable tool for writers who want to explore possibilities and acknowledge uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entertaining the idea that

Focuses more on the mental act of considering an idea.

taking into account the chance that

Emphasizes the element of chance or probability.

factoring in the likelihood that

Highlights the probability of something happening.

bearing in mind the potential for

Stresses the importance of remembering a potential outcome.

pondering the prospect that

Implies a deeper and more thoughtful consideration.

evaluating the likelihood of

Focuses on assessing the probability of a specific event.

assessing the probability that

Emphasizes a formal assessment of likelihood.

contemplating the chance of

Suggests a reflective consideration of a possible event.

allowing for the chance that

Indicates making provisions for a possible event.

keeping in view the option of

Highlights the act of not forgetting a specific choice.

FAQs

What does "considering the possibility that" mean?

It means to take into account a potential outcome or scenario, acknowledging it as something that might happen or be true. It implies an element of uncertainty and evaluation.

How can I use "considering the possibility that" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a hypothetical situation or a potential outcome you are evaluating. For example, "Considering the possibility that the project might be delayed, we need to create a contingency plan."

What can I say instead of "considering the possibility that"?

You can use alternatives like "taking into account the chance that", "factoring in the likelihood that", or "bearing in mind the potential for depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "considering the possibility that" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to introduce an element of speculation, discuss potential scenarios, or evaluate possible outcomes, rather than stating a definite fact. This is a common expression, as confirmed by Ludwig.