hold possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

"hold possibilities" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to mean that something has the potential to lead to something else. For example: "Education holds possibilities for a better future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For the first time, it seemed to me like video games might hold possibilities for the telling of stories in a newly sophisticated way.

The New Yorker

These intriguing systems hold possibilities in situations that inhibit reactions for typical bioconversion systems.

Microbial Biodegradation and Bioremediation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But they benefitted, too, from having an idea that still held possibilities after sixteen years.

The New Yorker

THE HUNDREDTH MAN (Dutton, $23.95), by Jack Kerley, delivers a sturdy hero with a clear-cut mission and a setting that holds possibilities for fresh adventures.

The New York Times - Books

But given the somewhat precarious position of prints in the contemporary art world, and with many artists opting to go digital, it would make a good argument that traditional printmaking is still relevant and holds possibilities for younger artists.

The New York Times - Arts

The Discrete Element Method is emerging as a tool that holds possibilities for exploration of various profiles by simulation.

International Journal of Mineral Processing

Sundays gave Hassan and Sara a sense that Connecticut held possibility, that they were on a trajectory.

The New Yorker

American relations with this fascinating nation hold unanticipated possibilities.

The New York Times - Books

The next 100 years hold intriguing possibilities for golf.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is the only element of the story that seems to hold out possibilities.

The New Yorker

The fit with Mr. Kopelman, too, seemed at first to hold interesting possibilities.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold possibilities", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific potential outcomes are being referred to. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "hold possibilities" in situations where there is no concrete basis for believing in potential outcomes. Overstating potential can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold possibilities" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a subject that possesses potential or the capacity for future positive outcomes or developments. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is indeed used in English to highlight the potential for something to lead to something else.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold possibilities" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to express that something possesses potential for future positive developments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the idea that something has the capacity to lead to beneficial outcomes. While not exceptionally common, the phrase appears across diverse sources, including news outlets like The New York Times and scientific journals, indicating broad applicability. When using "hold possibilities", ensure clarity by specifying what potential outcomes are being referenced, and avoid overstating potential without concrete evidence. Alternatives such as "offer potential" and "present opportunities" can provide stylistic variation while maintaining semantic equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have potential

A more straightforward way of expressing that something possesses potential.

offer potential

Replaces "hold" with "offer", emphasizing the act of providing potential.

present opportunities

Substitutes "hold possibilities" with a phrase that highlights the availability of chances.

harbor potential

Uses "harbor" instead of "hold", suggesting a more internal or inherent potential.

contain prospects

Replaces "possibilities" with "prospects", implying future outlooks.

entail opportunities

Uses "entail" to indicate that opportunities are a necessary consequence or part of something.

possess potential

Emphasizes the inherent quality of having potential.

promise prospects

Shifts the focus to a sense of future expectation.

show promise

Highlights the visible indication of future success or positive outcomes.

create openings

Focuses on generating new opportunities or possibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "hold possibilities" in a sentence?

You can use "hold possibilities" to describe something that has the potential for positive future outcomes. For example, "This new technology "holds great promise" for the future of medicine."

What are some alternatives to "hold possibilities"?

Alternatives to "hold possibilities" include "offer potential", "present opportunities", or "show promise". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "hold possibilities" or "have possibilities"?

"Hold possibilities" and "have possibilities" are both grammatically correct. "Hold possibilities" suggests a more active or inherent containment of potential, while "have possibilities" is a more general statement of potential existence.

Which is more formal, "hold possibilities" or "offer opportunities"?

"Offer opportunities" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "hold possibilities". However, both are suitable for professional and academic contexts.