indicate possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicate possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential outcomes or scenarios in various contexts, such as academic writing, reports, or discussions about future events. Example: "The data collected from the survey may indicate possibility for a significant change in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Large deviations from this line would indicate possibility of heterogeneity, (ii) Chi-square p-values, which are automatically computed by Meta-disc during analysis.

BMC Infectious Diseases

However, even with this in mind, our result in collagen type I based phantoms with NIHOVCAR3 cells indicate possibility of extremely low minimal detection limits.

Biomedical Optics Express

The presented research results indicate possibility of using digital infrared imaging in quick screening of diagnosis of initiated or hidden inflammatory states.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The docking studies indicate possibilities of additional functionalization of the lycopodane skeleton to render potentially more active analogues.

Phytochemistry

They quote Claremont Graduate University assistant professor Jeremy Hunter, italicizing words that indicate possibilities, not certainties: "If an organization can work creatively with the questions that increased personal awareness can churn up, that could be a great asset".

Huffington Post

These recent data indicate possibilities that radiation cannot only be used to eliminate tumor cells, but also to modify the immune response.

Plosone

We found that similar chemical structures of VOCs indicate possibilities of exhibiting similar biological activities.

BioMed Research International

However, these percentages indicate possibilities only and are not deterministic [ 26].

Critical Care

This indicates possibility of presence of other enteric pathogens.

International Journal of Food Contamination

This indicates possibility of the large-scale preparative applications and feasibility of the high-speed LC LCD separations.

Polymer

The process was evaluated at pilot scale in tray fermenters and yielded 457 IU/gDS using the lab conditions and indicating possibility for further improvement.

Bioresource Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicate possibility", ensure the evidence you're referencing is appropriately qualified. Avoid overstating the certainty of the outcome, and clarify the conditions under which the possibility might materialize.

Common error

Avoid using "indicate possibility" when the evidence strongly suggests a definite outcome. The phrase signals uncertainty; using it inappropriately can undermine your credibility. Instead, opt for stronger verbs that reflect greater confidence in the conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicate possibility" functions as a hedge, softening a claim by suggesting a potential outcome without asserting certainty. It is used to present potential scenarios based on available information. Ludwig confirms this usage by listing examples in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indicate possibility" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for presenting potential outcomes or scenarios. It's commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, reflecting a neutral register. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a hedging device, softening claims by introducing a possibility without asserting certainty. When using the phrase, it's crucial to qualify the evidence appropriately and avoid overstating the likelihood of the outcome. Remember, the term emphasizes uncertainty and potential, rather than definitive prediction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest a chance

Emphasizes a non-deterministic potential outcome, altering the strength of implication.

imply a prospect

Uses a different verb to convey suggestion with a slightly more formal tone.

hint at a potential

Suggests a less direct indication, implying subtlety.

signal an opportunity

Focuses on favorable circumstances or chances, shifting from general potential to specific advantages.

point to a likelihood

Conveys a higher degree of probability compared to a mere possibility.

raise the expectation

Implies anticipation or assumption based on the evidence.

offer a probability

Presents a quantified chance of something occurring.

demonstrate a capacity

Highlights inherent ability or capability rather than just potential.

reflect the feasibility

Emphasizes practicality and viability rather than mere chance.

entail a consequence

Focuses on results or outcomes, suggesting a logical connection to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "indicate possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or scenario based on available evidence, for example: "The data may "indicate possibility" of a market shift".

What are some alternatives to "indicate possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "suggest a chance", "imply a prospect", or "hint at a potential" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "indicate possibility" and "indicate probability"?

"Indicate possibility" suggests that something could happen, while "indicate probability" suggests a higher likelihood of something happening. Use "indicate probability" when the evidence is stronger.

Is it better to use "indicate possibilities" or "indicate possibility"?

The choice between "indicate possibility" and "indicate possibilities" depends on whether you are referring to a single potential outcome or multiple potential outcomes. Use the plural form when referring to more than one potential outcome.