increase the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase the possibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an action which increases the likelihood or chance of something taking place. For example: "By adding extra features, we were able to increase the possibility of the product being successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

B. increase the possibility of a balanced budget.

The New York Times

In addition, substance abuse can increase the possibility of experiencing mental health problems.

Stanford University

There are certain danger signs that increase the possibility that a brown spot is melanoma.

Harvard University

And, the sheer numbers of micro-organisms increase the possibility of successful invasions.

The New York Times - Science

The evening kickoff will increase the possibility of enthusiasm after daylong tailgate parties.

The New York Times - Sports

They also increase the possibility that you'll develop some form of mental health difficulty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some observers said on Friday that his resignation could increase the possibility of snap elections.

The Guardian

Cheap tickets increase the possibility of a sellout, which augments merchandise and concession sales.

The New Yorker

Such a difference could increase the possibility of greater inequality within America.

The New York Times

This situation would increase the possibility of abrupt and irreversible ice loss in the marine sector.

Nature

Tailoring your application takes more time, but will increase the possibility of you being called in for an interview.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "increase the possibility", ensure the sentence clearly states what action is causing the increased likelihood. For example: "Implementing stricter safety protocols will increase the possibility of preventing accidents."

Common error

Avoid using "increase the possibility" without specifying what factor is contributing to the increase. Saying "This might increase the possibility" lacks clarity. Instead, clarify what 'this' refers to and how it influences the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase the possibility" functions as a connector expressing purpose or consequence. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that a specific action or condition makes a certain outcome more likely to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increase the possibility" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe actions that enhance the likelihood of a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing its prevalence across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research and academic writing. While alternatives like "raise the possibility" and "heighten the possibility" offer similar meanings, it's crucial to specify the causal factor to avoid vagueness. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, this phrase is versatile and impactful, particularly when emphasizing the positive consequences of a given strategy or decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the possibility

Uses a different verb to convey a similar idea of making something more likely.

heighten the possibility

Emphasizes a greater degree of increasing the likelihood.

augment the possibility

Suggests adding to or enhancing the existing chance.

grow the possibility

Implies a gradual increase in the likelihood.

broaden the possibility

Suggests making the scope or range of the possibility wider.

improve the likelihood

Focuses on enhancing the chances of something occurring.

enhance the prospect

Highlights the positive potential or outlook.

maximize the chance

Implies making the chance as high as possible.

boost the odds

Uses a more informal expression for improving the likelihood.

promote the opportunity

Focuses on creating or facilitating a chance or occasion.

FAQs

How can I use "increase the possibility" in a sentence?

Use "increase the possibility" to indicate that a certain action or condition makes an outcome more likely. For example: "Investing in renewable energy sources can "increase the possibility" of reducing carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "increase the possibility"?

You can use alternatives such as "raise the possibility", "heighten the possibility", or "improve the likelihood" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "increase the possibility" and "increase the probability"?

While similar, "increase the possibility" suggests making something more feasible or conceivable, whereas "increase the probability" focuses on quantifiable likelihood. Both are valid but have slightly different nuances.

What prepositions usually follow "increase the possibility"?

The preposition "of" typically follows "increase the possibility". For example: "This action will increase the possibility of success" is grammatically correct.