distinct possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It has a slightly formal tone and can be used to describe something that appears likely or probable, but not certain, to happen. For example, "There is a distinct possibility of rain later this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More attempts and possible attacks are a distinct possibility".

The New York Times

A "possible" meeting with Jane Austen, suggested by another writer, grows into "a distinct possibility".

The New York Times - Books

This is a distinct possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Death is a distinct possibility".

The Guardian

Hefty fines are a distinct possibility.

The Economist

Injuries, apparently, are a distinct possibility.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, that is now a distinct possibility.

The Economist

Yes, tears were a distinct possibility.

The New York Times

The latter is a distinct possibility.

The New York Times

Does it remain a distinct possibility?

The Guardian - Sport

A shallow recession is a distinct possibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinct possibility" to convey a sense of likelihood without making a definitive prediction. This is useful in situations where uncertainty exists but a specific outcome seems probable.

Common error

Avoid using "distinct possibility" when the outcome is highly uncertain or speculative. It is best suited for situations where there is reasonable evidence or reason to believe an event might occur, not just a remote chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct possibility" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation or event that is likely to occur. It modifies an action or state, expressing a degree of probability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinct possibility" is a useful phrase for expressing a noteworthy chance of something happening. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used across various sources. It functions as a noun phrase indicating likelihood, is versatile across neutral and professional registers, and is frequently found in news and business contexts. Remember to use it when you want to convey that an outcome is more than just possible, but realistically probable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real chance

Indicates a tangible likelihood of something occurring.

strong likelihood

Emphasizes the high probability of an event.

definite prospect

Suggests a clear and foreseeable possibility.

decidedly possible

Highlights the unquestionable feasibility of something.

serious contender

Implies significant potential or competition in a specific context.

plausible scenario

Focuses on the believability and realism of a potential outcome.

conceivable outcome

Suggests that an event is within the realm of possibility, even if not highly probable.

credible option

Indicates a choice or possibility that is believable and worthy of consideration.

a good bet

An informal expression suggesting a high probability of success or occurrence.

within the bounds of possibility

Highlights that an event is not impossible or beyond the limits of what could happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinct possibility" to express that something is likely to happen, such as: "There is a "distinct possibility" that the game will be cancelled due to the weather."

What are some alternatives to using "distinct possibility"?

Alternatives to "distinct possibility" include phrases like "real chance", "strong likelihood", or "definite prospect", depending on the context.

Is "distinct possibility" a formal or informal expression?

"Distinct possibility" is considered a slightly formal expression suitable for professional and news contexts. In casual conversation, you might prefer alternatives like "good chance".

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

"Distinct possibility" implies a reasonable likelihood, while "remote possibility" suggests something is unlikely but still conceivable. They convey opposite levels of probability.