distant possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'distant possibility' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that is unlikely to happen, but is still possible in theory. For example, winning the lottery is a distant possibility for most people.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At this point, that seems like a distant possibility.

The Washington Post

But that seems to be a distant possibility.

The New Yorker

It is, for countries in their position, no theory for debate or distant possibility.

The Guardian

Emancipation thus quickly changed from a distant possibility to an imminent and feasible eventuality.

Britannica

Most economists hold the view that a sovereign default is a distant possibility.

The Telegraph

The rebels say signing a peace accord with Mr. Uribe is a distant possibility.

The New York Times

Actually, distress was a relatively distant possibility, given that my study and the books were safe.

The Guardian - Books

They are secretly relieved that for now reunification seems only a distant possibility.

The Economist

The distant possibility of interest I mentioned was on behalf of Northumbrian workers who might want to keep their jobs.

The Guardian

He does not treat that first alternative as a distant possibility: "American Catholicism, to put it bluntly, is in trouble.

The New York Times - Books

The Islanders hold Tampa Bay in high esteem but are not treating a potential victory as a distant possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "distant possibility" with qualifiers like 'however', 'although', or 'still' to add nuance and complexity to your writing. This shows a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid treating a "distant possibility" as an impossibility. It's crucial to acknowledge the small chance, even when discussing unlikely scenarios, to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distant possibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a potential outcome that is unlikely but still conceivable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distant possibility" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an outcome that is unlikely but not impossible. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It typically functions as a noun phrase, serving to express uncertainty or low probability. The phrase finds frequent application in "News & Media", Academia, and Formal & Business settings, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrating its consistent usage. While alternatives like "remote chance" or "slim chance" exist, understanding the subtle nuances of "distant possibility" helps refine communication and manage expectations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote chance

Replaces 'possibility' with 'chance', suggesting a slightly lower likelihood.

slim chance

Emphasizes the improbability of the event occurring.

unlikely prospect

Substitutes 'possibility' with 'prospect', focusing on the future outlook.

theoretical chance

Highlights that the possibility exists only in theory, not in practice.

outside chance

Indicates a possibility that is not considered within the main range of likely outcomes.

far-fetched idea

Signifies that the idea is not very plausible or realistic.

negligible probability

Uses more formal language to convey a very low probability.

improbable scenario

Shifts the focus to a specific set of circumstances that are unlikely to occur.

doubtful outcome

Suggests skepticism about the realization of the possibility.

long shot

An idiomatic expression indicating a low chance of success.

FAQs

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

You can use "distant possibility" to describe an event that is unlikely to happen, such as, "While winning the lottery is a "distant possibility", it's still fun to dream about it."

What are some alternatives to saying "distant possibility"?

Alternatives include "remote chance", "slim chance", or "unlikely prospect". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a distant possibility" or should I use another article?

"A distant possibility" is grammatically correct. The article 'a' is appropriate because you are referring to one specific possibility that is distant.

What's the difference between "remote possibility" and "distant possibility"?

Both phrases are very similar. "Remote possibility" emphasizes the unlikelihood from a more detached perspective, while "distant possibility" can imply it's far off in time or circumstance but the expressions are usually interchangeable.