either possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'either possibility' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to distinguish between two possible choices. For example: "We will have to decide which option to choose, either possibility could work for our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Either possibility would require the involvement of the commissioner's office.

The New York Times - Sports

For those of us who admire the pope, either possibility is distressing, but neither should come as a great surprise.

The New York Times

Either possibility gives special force to Captain Harville's later exclamation to Anne: "Poor Fanny! she would not have forgotten him so soon".

The Guardian - Books

Either possibility underscores the possibility of using plant-rhizobacterial associations to phytoremediate soils contaminated with PCBs.

Process Biochemistry

But speaking on Tuesday, Ayre refused to rule out either possibility.

BBC

In theory, either possibility could explain correlations between song traits and genetic diversity [20], [22], [24].

Plosone

Currently we cannot rule out either possibility.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some formulations of quidditism invoke either maximal possibilities or possible worlds, while modalist formulations of quidditism do without either resource.

SEP

But she refuses to fear the future - either the possibility of not living past her 40s, or being locked into one position.

Independent

But not all philosophers are so sanguine about either the possibility or the theoretical significance of reference.

SEP

Representationalists in reply deny either the possibility of such inversion or its alleged import (Dretske 1995, Tye 2000).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "either possibility" when you want to present two distinct and mutually exclusive options or outcomes. This phrase clearly communicates that only one of the stated possibilities can be true or occur.

Common error

Avoid using "either possibility" when there are more than two options. "Either" inherently refers to two choices; for multiple options, use phrases like "any of the possibilities" or "one of several options".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either possibility" functions as a connector or introductory element in a sentence. It sets the stage for presenting two options or potential outcomes, indicating that one of them is expected to occur or be true. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "either possibility" is a frequently used phrase that serves to introduce two distinct options or potential outcomes, as validated by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and suitable for use across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general communication. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate the phrase's versatility and correctness. While generally neutral in tone, it’s crucial to avoid using it when more than two options exist. Related phrases like "either scenario" or "either option" can offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either scenario

Focuses on a specific sequence of events or situation rather than a general option.

either option

Directly refers to a choice between two available courses of action.

either alternative

Emphasizes the existence of a substitute or replacement for something.

either case

Highlights that the same conclusion applies regardless of which of the two situations is true.

in either event

Similar to "either case" but more formal and emphasizes the outcome.

under either circumstance

Focuses on the conditions or situations that might occur.

one of two options

More explicitly states that there are only two choices.

one of two scenarios

Specifically refers to two potential future situations.

either way

Indicates that the result or action will be the same regardless of which choice is made.

either direction

Suggests two possible paths or courses of action, either literal or figurative.

FAQs

How to use "either possibility" in a sentence?

Use "either possibility" to introduce two distinct and mutually exclusive options. For example, "The delay could be due to a technical error or a lack of resources; either possibility would require further investigation."

What can I say instead of "either possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "either scenario", "either option", or "either alternative" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "any possibility" instead of "either possibility"?

While both phrases refer to potential outcomes, "either possibility" is specifically used when there are only two options. "Any possibility" is appropriate when there are more than two potential outcomes.

What's the difference between "either possibility" and "both possibilities"?

"Either possibility" implies that only one of the two options is true or will occur. "Both possibilities" implies that both options are true or will occur, potentially simultaneously or in conjunction.