first possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"first possibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can refer to the first of several possible options. For example, "We have two options to consider: the first possibility is to arrange a meeting with the client, the second possibility is to call and discuss the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first possibility is that no atoms have been mapped; no heuristic completion is possible here.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The first possibility gives Euclidean geometry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first possibility is that it is due to chance.

Nature

The first possibility is that the line is parallel to the y-axis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Turn right at your first possibility, then take an immediate left.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But for the scientists, it offered the first possibility of testing their ideas.

Cornell University

The first possibility a manufacturer should consider is a permanent price increase for the particular brand.

Harvard Business Review

The first possibility is not favoured, because growing plants seldom incorporate appreciable amounts of nonorganic elements.

Britannica

In public, Mr. Obama is talking only about the first possibility.

The New York Times

The first possibility is dismaying but the alternative is no cause for relief.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first possibility is sad, the second condescending to the audience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a series of potential explanations or outcomes, use "first possibility" to clearly indicate the initial item in the sequence. This helps maintain clarity and organization in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "first possibility" if you don't intend to present other possibilities. If only one option exists, simply state the possibility without numbering it. For instance, instead of saying "The first possibility is that the system failed", say "The system may have failed" if it's the only consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first possibility" functions primarily as a discourse marker, introducing the initial item in a sequence of potential explanations, scenarios, or options. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first possibility" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for introducing the first item in a sequence of potential explanations or scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that you intend to present other possibilities as well. Alternatives like "initial possibility" or "first option" may be suitable depending on the specific context. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for both general and specialized writing, enhancing clarity and organization. Therefore, be mindful of clarity and consistency in your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial possibility

Replaces "first" with "initial", emphasizing the starting point in a sequence of options.

first potential

Substitutes "possibility" with "potential", focusing on the inherent capacity or likelihood of something.

one possibility

Similar in meaning, but less emphatic on the ordering.

first scenario

Uses "scenario" instead of "possibility", framing it as a hypothetical situation.

first option

Replaces "possibility" with "option", suggesting a choice among several alternatives.

a primary possibility

Emphasizes the importance of the possibility.

first case

Employs "case" instead of "possibility", often used in legal or logical contexts.

a leading possibility

Suggests the possibility is more prominent or likely.

the foremost possibility

Highlights the possibility as being the most important or relevant.

the initial hypothesis

Frames the possibility as a starting point for investigation or testing.

FAQs

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

You can use "first possibility" to introduce the first of multiple potential scenarios or explanations. For example, "There are two explanations for this result; the "first possibility" is experimental error, and the second is a genuine effect."

What phrases are similar to "first possibility"?

Alternatives include "initial possibility", "first option", or "a primary possibility", depending on the context.

Is it necessary to always follow "first possibility" with a second or third possibility?

While not grammatically required, using "first possibility" implies that other possibilities will be discussed. If you only have one possibility to present, it's better to avoid numbering it.

What's the difference between "first possibility" and "initial assumption"?

"First possibility" introduces a potential scenario, while "first assumption" refers to a belief taken for granted at the beginning of a process. The difference lies in whether you're exploring options or setting a foundation.