element of possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "element of possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential or likelihood of something occurring or being true. Example: "In any scientific experiment, there is always an element of possibility that the results may not align with the hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That particular counter-myth had an element of possibility.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lemarchand, for example, refers to Umberto Eco's essay, Opera aperta ("The Open Work"): "it was inspired by composers like Stockhausen, Berio, Pousseur and their use of aleatoric and ludic methods to introduce dynamic elements of possibility into their music.

The Guardian - Tech

But by at least offering a regionally accredited MBA degree program to those who can scrape together the funds to participate adds a certain element of hope and possibility.

Huffington Post

However, the element of compensation voids any possibility that consent is freely given in the true sense: research participants volunteer, for the most part, for the money.

BMC Medical Ethics

A virtuous combination of a receptive building owner and a multidisciplinary design team, allowed a systematic methodology to be used, providing the opportunity for the consideration of several options for each class of constructive element and the possibility of choosing among the options for each case, based on quantitative results on the expected performance of the building.

Energy and Buildings

Many elements exist in the realm of possibility of song.

Vice

The mesh generator allows to discretize the field in unstructured triangular elements with possibility of local refinement and inclusion of inserts.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Add an element of primal fear, like the possibility of encountering a large toothed, sharp clawed predator, and the allure bumps higher still.

Huffington Post

The fourth element of the program is the possibility for patients with complex problems to be referred by the multidisciplinary team to a stay at a specialized centre for prevention and reactivation (further referred to in this article as "the reactivation centre" or "the centre").

BMC Geriatrics

While no systematic sequencing has been carried out to analyze all mutations in the high number of regulatory elements of GABBR1, the possibility that epigenetic, rather than genetic changes in its vicinity are to account for the disease cannot be excluded either.

Biology Direct

This new methodology combines the adaptability of Boolean models (no need for quantitative data for every element or reaction, possibility of including "fuzzy knowledge" etc).

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "element of possibility", ensure the context clearly defines what the possibility relates to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "element of possibility" when the outcome is highly probable or certain. This phrase is best suited for situations with genuine uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "element of possibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes a component or aspect that contributes to the potential for something to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "element of possibility" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a component contributing to a potential outcome. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key; ensure the context clearly defines what the possibility pertains to, and avoid overstating the likelihood of the outcome. Alternatives like "hint of potential" or "chance of happening" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of potential

Changes the noun from 'element' to 'hint', suggesting a smaller degree of possibility.

a chance of happening

Replaces 'element' with 'chance' and 'possibility' with a more direct expression of occurrence.

a glimmer of hope

Introduces the emotional aspect of hope, implying a desirable possibility.

scope for potential

Focuses on the area or range within which something might be possible.

seed of probability

Uses 'seed' to suggest the beginning or origin of a possible outcome.

room for conjecture

Highlights that possibility is based on speculation and incomplete information.

a shadow of likelihood

Indicates a small or faint chance that something may happen.

an outside chance

Emphasizes that the possibility is remote or unlikely.

the prospect of

Shifts focus to a future-oriented view of what could happen or be the case.

some potential

Uses a more concise phrasing, simply stating there is potential without specifying an element.

FAQs

How can I use "element of possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "element of possibility" to indicate that something might happen or be true, as in, "In any scientific experiment, there is always an "element of possibility" that the results may not align with the hypothesis."

What can I say instead of "element of possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "hint of potential", "chance of happening", or "glimmer of hope" depending on the context.

Is "element of possibility" formal or informal?

"Element of possibility" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in news and media or scientific writing than in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "element of possibility" and "matter of possibility"?

"Element of possibility" suggests a component contributing to a potential outcome, while "matter of possibility" frames the situation as entirely within the realm of what could occur. The first focuses on a specific contribution to the potential, and the second on the potential itself.