discuss the possibility of

USAGE SUMMARY

'discuss the possibility of' is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to introduce a topic of conversation that is open to various interpretations or that has multiple potential solutions. For example, "We should discuss the possibility of introducing a new policy on attendance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We discuss the possibility of differences in channel expression in the Discussion.

eLife

A lawyer is engaged to discuss the possibility of adoption.

The New York Times

Executives at Delta Air Lines continue to discuss the possibility of more pay cuts, for example.

The New York Times

They started to discuss the possibility of Swartz going to prison.

The Guardian - Tech

Vidic was not even willing to discuss the possibility of a contract extension.

The Guardian - Sport

Spokesmen for Kozmo and Urbanfetch declined to discuss the possibility of a merger.

The New York Times

At their 45-minute meeting, the three reportedly discuss the possibility of extending Greece's bailout programme.

The Guardian - Business

They will also discuss the possibility of opening liaison offices in each other's countries, officials said.

The New York Times

But The Post's article did not discuss the possibility of a romantic relationship.

The New York Times

The commission and the White House are continuing to discuss the possibility of Ms. Rice's reappearance.

The New York Times

The meeting was to discuss the possibility of avoiding an indictment with a negotiated settlement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discuss the possibility of", ensure that the discussion is focused and has clear objectives. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the conversation leads to actionable insights or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "discuss the possibility of" when a more direct expression is possible. For example, instead of saying "We should discuss the possibility of increasing sales", consider saying "We should explore ways to increase sales" for a more concise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discuss the possibility of" serves as an introductory verb phrase, setting the stage for exploring potential options or actions. It functions to introduce a topic open for deliberation, as supported by the numerous examples in Ludwig, indicating widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discuss the possibility of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potential actions or ideas for deliberation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, writers should aim for conciseness by considering more direct alternatives when appropriate. Common errors include overuse and vagueness, but with mindful application, the phrase remains a valuable tool for initiating constructive conversations. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist, demonstrating its prevalence in authoritative media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explore the potential for

Focuses on a detailed investigation of the opportunities.

Consider the likelihood of

Emphasizes the assessment of probability.

Deliberate on the feasibility of

Highlights careful and thorough consideration of practicality.

Weigh up the chances of

Implies a balanced evaluation of possible outcomes.

Ponder the prospect of

Suggests thoughtful reflection on a future possibility.

Evaluate the odds of

Centers on assessing the probability of success or occurrence.

Analyze the probability of

Indicates a structured examination of likelihood.

Assess the feasibility of

Directly addresses whether something is realistically achievable.

Examine the eventuality of

Shifts the focus to the possible occurrence of a future event.

Contemplate the event of

Suggests deep consideration of a possible occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "discuss the possibility of" in a sentence?

The phrase "discuss the possibility of" is used to introduce a potential action, plan, or idea that is being considered. For instance, "The team will "discuss the possibility of" expanding into new markets next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "discuss the possibility of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "consider the potential for", "explore the option of", or "examine the feasibility of". For example, you might say "Let's "explore the option of" remote work" instead of "Let's "discuss the possibility of" remote work".

Is "discuss the possibility of" formal or informal?

The phrase "discuss the possibility of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more concise alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "discuss the possibility of" and "consider the possibility of"?

"Discuss the possibility of" implies a conversation or exchange of ideas, whereas "consider the possibility of" suggests a more individual or internal thought process. You "discuss the possibility of" something with others, but you "consider the possibility of" something yourself.