faint possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faint possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a very small chance of something happening. Example: "There is a faint possibility that we might get a refund for the canceled trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

But he said there remained a very faint possibility of the scripted process going awry.

The Guardian

Allowing for that faint possibility, the doctor invites him to dinner.

The New York Times - Books

East could have ducked but took his ace, allowing for the faint possibility that his partner held the jack.

The New York Times - Arts

West led the spade king, allowing for the faint possibility of a singleton queen in the dummy.

The New York Times - Arts

There's still a faint possibility that Suárez will wear the Liver bird again after he serves his suspension.

The Guardian - Sport

Barring the faint possibility that South has bid two no-trump with the doubleton queen-two of hearts, this third-hand-middle play cannot lose.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

There are two, and only two, faint possibilities to slow down the hard-right takeover of the High Court.

Huffington Post

That one case may not have changed a lot of minds, but it certainly opened them up to the ever-so-faint possibility this wasn't crazy".

The New Yorker

And yet both parties are behaving as if there's not the faintest possibility.

The Guardian

There isn't the faintest possibility of the All Blacks taking a relaxed approach to these Tests.

Independent

Two draws in a row had suggested the faintest possibility of some last-minute bottling but Dortmund were back in the groove against St Pauli.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "faint possibility", ensure the context clarifies what factors contribute to its low probability. This adds precision and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "faint possibility" when there's actually a moderate chance. It's best reserved for situations where the chance is truly minimal to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faint possibility" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "faint" modifies the noun "possibility". It indicates a low degree of likelihood or a slim chance of something occurring, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "faint possibility" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a low degree of likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in scientific writing. While alternatives like "slim chance" or "remote chance" exist, "faint possibility" offers a clear and professional way to convey uncertainty while acknowledging a potential outcome, which contributes to managing expectations and avoiding overstatement in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Emphasizes the smallness of the chance.

remote chance

Highlights the unlikelihood or distance of the possibility.

slight chance

Focuses on the minimal degree of probability.

small likelihood

Replaces 'possibility' with 'likelihood', stressing the low probability.

minimal prospect

Substitutes 'possibility' with 'prospect', indicating a limited outlook.

tenuous hope

Replaces 'possibility' with 'hope', suggesting a fragile expectation.

unlikely eventuality

Uses 'eventuality' instead of 'possibility', emphasizing the improbability.

barely conceivable

Indicates that the idea is only just imaginable.

improbable scenario

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of the situation.

outside chance

Suggests the possibility exists but is not expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "faint possibility" to describe an event with a very low chance of occurring. For example, "There is a faint possibility that the game will be canceled due to the weather".

What are some alternatives to "faint possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "slim chance", "remote chance", or "slight chance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "faint possibility" in formal writing?

Yes, "faint possibility" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express a low probability.

What's the difference between "faint possibility" and "slight possibility"?

While both phrases indicate a low likelihood, "faint possibility" suggests an even smaller chance compared to "slight possibility". The difference is subtle but "faint" implies a more remote chance.