face the possibility of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "face the possibility of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential outcomes or scenarios that one may have to confront or deal with. Example: "As we move forward with the project, we must face the possibility of unforeseen challenges that could arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The soldiers face the possibility of execution.

The New York Times

I still face the possibility of further criminal prosecution.

The Guardian

Both Kornfelds now face the possibility of legal action.

The Guardian - Music

DOES America really face the possibility of a biological Armageddon?

The Economist

The two men face the possibility of the death penalty.

The New York Times

All face the possibility of life sentences without parole.

The New York Times

All five face the possibility of life sentences without parole.

The New York Times

Both face the possibility of the death penalty.

The New York Times

Both face the possibility of suspension from Major League Baseball's primary enforcement official, Frank Robinson.

The New York Times - Sports

Not only that, but we face the possibility of Daddy deploying to Iraq again.

The New York Times

Are we prepared to face the possibility of keeping someone locked up indefinitely?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "face the possibility of", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific outcome or event is being considered. Providing explicit details enhances clarity.

Common error

Ensure the outcome following "face the possibility of" is specific and well-defined. Vague outcomes can weaken the impact of your statement. For instance, instead of "face the possibility of problems", specify "face the possibility of project delays".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "face the possibility of" functions as a verbal phrase introducing a potential or contingent outcome. It sets the stage for discussing scenarios that may or may not occur. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "face the possibility of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce potential outcomes or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase also appears in scientific and formal business contexts, indicating its adaptability across various registers. While alternatives like "face the likelihood of" and "face the risk of" exist, "face the possibility of" remains a widely recognized and effective way to set the stage for discussing uncertain future events. Remember to clearly define the specific outcome being considered for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face the likelihood of

Replaces "possibility" with "likelihood", suggesting a higher degree of probability.

face the chance of

Substitutes "possibility" with "chance", implying a less certain outcome.

face the prospect of

Uses "prospect" instead of "possibility", indicating a more anticipated or foreseen event.

face the risk of

Replaces "possibility" with "risk", emphasizing the potential negative consequences.

confront the possibility of

Replaces "face" with "confront", suggesting a more direct engagement with the potential situation.

deal with the possibility of

Emphasizes the act of managing or handling a potential situation.

address the possibility of

Focuses on acknowledging and preparing for a potential outcome.

bear the possibility of

Highlights the endurance aspect of a potential, and potentially negative, outcome.

contemplate the possibility of

Focuses on the thoughtful consideration of a potential event.

consider the potential for

Shifts focus to the "potential" itself rather than the act of "facing" it.

FAQs

How can I use "face the possibility of" in a sentence?

Use "face the possibility of" to introduce a potential outcome or challenge. For example: "The company may "face the possibility of" increased competition if they don't innovate."

What are some alternatives to "face the possibility of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "face the likelihood of", "face the chance of", or "face the risk of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "face the possibility of" or "face the potential for"?

Both phrases are correct, but "face the possibility of" usually refers to a specific event or outcome, while "face the potential for" suggests a capacity or capability. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "face the possibility of" and "confront the possibility of"?

"Face the possibility of" is a more general expression, while "confront the possibility of" implies a more active or deliberate engagement with the potential outcome. "Confront the possibility of" suggests a readiness to deal with the situation.