immediate possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"immediate possibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to something that is likely to happen soon or in the near future. Example: There is an immediate possibility of heavy rain tonight, so don't forget to bring your umbrella.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That is not an immediate possibility: China lacks refineries to process Venezuela's heavy crude.

The Economist

In his letter, the city schools chancellor, Dennis M. Walcott, called the strike a "strong" and "immediate" possibility.

The New York Times

Another immediate possibility is the creation of hyper-real special effects for movies and games – and for use in architectural design.

The Guardian

Concerned about the market's prior sell-offs, investors have been reluctant to buy because they sense no immediate possibility for a recovery in share prices.

The New York Times

"The neurons in this part of the cortex fire wildly when there is an immediate possibility of pleasure or pain, loss or gain".

The New Yorker

Finally and fittingly, the Knicks appear to have woken up to a not-so-harsh reality and to a world of immediate possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

She said the plan shouldn't address just the distant future but should also address immediate possibilities.

The New York Times

Having become increasingly impatient with her own prospects, Reid, who is thirty and lives with her mother in Marine Park, recently turned her ambitions to those with more immediate possibilities.

The New Yorker

When it came time to plot the third season, the producers said they felt they had exhausted the immediate possibilities of life on the run; returning some of the characters to prison, however, would create new opportunities for them to interact.

The New York Times - Arts

Immediate possibilities include movie DVDs and maybe even toys, but after that, who knows? "It's the Wal-Marting of the Web," says Mary Meeker, Morgan Stanley's Internet analyst.

Forbes

Part of the fun of playing with a new thing is learning the ways we can use (and artfully misuse) it, but an installation also encourages us to consider other, less immediate possibilities.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "immediate possibility", ensure the context clearly indicates the timeframe you're referring to. Be specific about what makes the possibility 'immediate'.

Common error

Avoid using "immediate possibility" when the chance of something happening is uncertain or distant. Reserve it for situations where there's a genuine and proximate likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "immediate possibility" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation or event that has a strong likelihood of occurring in the near future. Ludwig examples show it referring to diverse contexts, from weather events to business outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "immediate possibility" is a useful phrase for describing a potential event that is both likely and imminent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage, and it appears frequently in news and scientific contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the timeframe is clear and avoid overstating the likelihood. Consider alternatives like "imminent likelihood" or "near-term prospect" for slightly different shades of meaning. Although the phrase is correct, avoid using "very immediate possibility" because it can be redundant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imminent likelihood

Replaces "possibility" with "likelihood" and emphasizes the closeness in time.

near-term prospect

Substitutes "immediate" with "near-term" and "possibility" with "prospect", indicating a future expectation.

realistic chance now

Replaces "possibility" with "chance" and adds "now" to highlight the current timeframe.

current potential

Focuses on present capacity and feasibility.

forthcoming opportunity

Emphasizes an upcoming chance or occasion.

impending eventuality

Uses more formal language to suggest something is about to happen.

proximate contingency

Emphasizes nearness in time and dependence on other events.

soon-to-be reality

Expresses a belief that something is on the verge of becoming true.

distinct probability shortly

Replaces "possibility" with "probability" suggesting a high chance, and emphasizes short time with "shortly".

developing circumstance

Focuses on unfolding situation rather than a definite chance.

FAQs

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

You can use "immediate possibility" to describe something that could happen soon, such as "There is an "immediate possibility" of rain" or "The merger represents an "immediate possibility" for growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "immediate possibility"?

Consider using alternatives like "imminent likelihood", "near-term prospect", or "realistic chance now" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very immediate possibility"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very immediate possibility" can be redundant. "Immediate" already implies a sense of urgency and closeness in time. Consider using stronger verbs or adverbs to emphasize the likelihood instead.

What's the difference between "immediate possibility" and "future possibility"?

"Immediate possibility" suggests something could happen very soon, while "future possibility" refers to something that might occur at some point in the future, without specifying a timeframe. The first is more urgent.