distinct possibility that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct possibility that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation or outcome that is likely to occur, emphasizing the degree of likelihood. Example: "There is a distinct possibility that we will see an increase in sales this quarter due to our new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you genuinely do this, you'll allow marriage to be a distinct possibility that might not have been possible before Saturn transited your 7th House of Relationships.

Huffington Post

He said it was "a distinct possibility" that Mr. King would also be prosecuted in Antigua.

The New York Times

He said there was a "distinct possibility" that ESPN could be dropped by Cox Cable for a time.

The New York Times

"There is a distinct possibility that will happen," says Moorhead.

The Guardian

"We think it's a distinct possibility that they were met by someone at the Wal-Mart.

The New York Times

There is the distinct possibility that after this season, Testaverde and Lucas could be gone.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Reilly said: "I think there is a distinct possibility that is what could happen.

The New York Times

It remains a distinct possibility that neither Juncker nor Schulz is named commission president.

The Guardian - Opinion

There remains a distinct possibility that the individual insurance market may yet collapse in many states.

The Washington Post

Kerry told ABC it was a "distinct possibility" that the US would end up not attending.

The Guardian

Reason to watch: There's a distinct possibility that the Orlovi could be a mess.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinct possibility that" to convey a notable likelihood without guaranteeing certainty. It is best suited when the situation is more than just conceivable, but not yet probable.

Common error

Avoid using "distinct possibility that" when a situation is nearly certain. Opt for phrases like "highly likely" or "almost certain" to reflect the higher degree of confidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct possibility that" functions as a hedge, softening a statement about a potential future event. It suggests a notable chance or likelihood without making a definitive prediction, aligning with Ludwig's examples demonstrating varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinct possibility that" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a notable likelihood without absolute certainty. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While alternatives like "real possibility that" or "strong possibility that" exist, "distinct possibility that" provides a nuanced way to express potential outcomes while maintaining a degree of objectivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

real possibility that

Replaces "distinct" with "real", suggesting a tangible and concrete chance.

strong possibility that

Substitutes "distinct" with "strong", indicating a high degree of likelihood.

definite possibility that

Replaces "distinct" with "definite", highlighting a more certain or determined chance.

clear possibility that

Substitutes "distinct" with "clear", emphasizing the unambiguous nature of the potential.

good chance that

Offers a more informal alternative, suggesting a favorable likelihood.

likely prospect that

Replaces "possibility" with "prospect", focusing on the anticipation of a future event.

credible scenario that

Shifts the focus to the plausibility of a particular sequence of events.

realistic expectation that

Frames the possibility as something reasonably anticipated.

notable chance that

Highlights that the chance is worthy of attention.

plausible outcome that

Emphasizes the feasibility and believability of a result.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinct possibility that" to indicate a notable chance or likelihood of something occurring. For example: "There is a "distinct possibility that" the project will be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "distinct possibility that"?

Alternatives include "real possibility that", "strong possibility that", or "good chance that", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "distinct possibility of" instead of "distinct possibility that"?

While "distinct possibility of" can be grammatically correct in some contexts (e.g., "the distinct possibility of rain"), "distinct possibility that" is typically used to introduce a clause or statement. In most cases, "distinct possibility that" is the preferred construction.

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

"Distinct possibility that" implies a notable chance, whereas "remote possibility that" suggests a very unlikely chance. The former conveys a higher degree of likelihood compared to the latter.