is there a possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"Is there a possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask if something is possible or not. Example sentence: "Is there a possibility that we could meet up later?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Is it true that a person is annihilated when she dies, or is there a possibility or even a likelihood that she may survive death?

SEP

Nor is there a possibility of any.

The New York Times - Arts

Or is there a possibility of dialogue even in separation?

The New York Times - Magazine

Only now, with the construction of Crossrail, is there a possibility that Lockyer's  long-lost grave might be re-discovered.

Independent

Will the senator stay in the race, or is there a possibility that he will drop out at the last minute?

The New York Times

Further, if the Home Office still retains Erhaim's passport, is there a possibility that better counsel will prevail and that it will be given back to her?

The Guardian

Then — and only then — is there a possibility that someone like LaShawn Merritt might be recognised in his local shopping mall.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Was there a possibility that the doctors were wrong?

Huffington Post

Or is there a more interesting possibility?

eLife

We have been briefed that there is a possibility that there might be increased attacks at least on Nov. 1".

The New York Times

"It was always, 'There is a possibility,' " Levens said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking "is there a possibility", consider whether you are looking for a simple yes/no answer or an exploration of different potential outcomes. Tailor your follow-up questions accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "is there a possibility" when you actually want to know how likely something is. "Possibility" indicates something could happen, while "probability" assesses how likely it is to happen. For example, instead of asking "Is there a possibility it will rain today?", ask "What is the probability of rain today?" if you need to know likelihood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is there a possibility" functions as an interrogative phrase, specifically designed to elicit information regarding the potential or likelihood of a particular event or situation. Ludwig shows it's used to explore options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is there a possibility" is a versatile and commonly used interrogative phrase that serves to inquire about the potential for a specific event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. The Ludwig examples showcase its widespread use in various contexts, particularly within news media, science, and general discussions.

While highly versatile, it's important to distinguish between the concepts of possibility and probability. Use "is there a possibility" when you want to know if something could happen, but switch to phrases like "is it likely" when you need to assess how probable that event is. By understanding these nuances, you can employ this phrase effectively and avoid common pitfalls in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could there be a chance

Replaces "possibility" with "chance" and restructures the sentence to emphasize the potential outcome.

is there a chance of

This changes "possibility" to "chance" while keeping a similar structure, focusing on likelihood.

might it be possible

Inverts the structure and adds "might" to soften the query, suggesting a more tentative inquiry.

is it within the realm of possibility

Adds emphasis to the extent to which something might occur.

is there any prospect of

Uses "prospect" to suggest a potential future outcome, differing slightly in connotation.

is it conceivable

Emphasizes the capacity to imagine or believe something, rather than just its potential to occur.

is it feasible

Focuses on the practicality and achievability of something rather than just its possibility.

is there any hope of

Frames the question in terms of optimism and desire, adding an emotional element.

can it happen

Simplifies the question to its most basic form, focusing on whether something is capable of occurring.

is it likely

Focuses on the probability of an event, differing from simply its possibility.

FAQs

How can I use "is there a possibility" in a sentence?

Use "is there a possibility" to inquire about the potential for something to occur or exist. For example, "Is there a possibility that the meeting will be rescheduled?"

What's a more formal way to ask "is there a possibility"?

In a more formal setting, consider using "Is it feasible?" or "Is it within the realm of possibility?" These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "is there a possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "is there a chance", "is it likely", or "could it be" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is there a possibility" or "is there a chance"?

Both "is there a possibility" and "is there a chance" are correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference, although "is there a possibility" might be perceived as slightly more formal.