it is a distinct possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a distinct possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or outcome that has a reasonable chance of occurring. Example: "Given the current trends in the market, it is a distinct possibility that we will see a significant increase in sales next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Analysts at Nomura think it is a distinct possibility.

The Guardian - Business

The people didn't want us there any more, and we didn't want to be there". He can't say conclusively that he killed any Iraqis himself, but it is a distinct possibility.

The Guardian

This, though Mr Mordechai still sturdily denies it, is a distinct possibility.The overriding aim of the Centre Party's leaders, several of them Mr Netanyahu's erstwhile colleagues, is to prevent the re-election of a prime minister they disapprove of with a quite unusual passion.

The Economist

And Summerhayes's ambition is not fanciful over-confidence, it is a distinct possibility.

BBC

Whether they will lead anywhere we really don't know but it is a distinct possibility.

BBC

So yes it is a distinct possibility that systems that are connected to the internet, if they control operations, could be damaged or destroyed".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He said it was "a distinct possibility" that Mr. King would also be prosecuted in Antigua.

The New York Times

Kerry told ABC it was a "distinct possibility" that the US would end up not attending.

The Guardian

"We think it's a distinct possibility that they were met by someone at the Wal-Mart.

The New York Times

Will they tune in to see Rock, then tune out? "It's a distinct possibility," says Hunt.

The Guardian - Film

"It [not to qualify] would be a massive blow but you'd have to say it's a distinct possibility at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a distinct possibility" to introduce scenarios that are not certainties but have a noteworthy chance of occurring. It's particularly effective when tempering expectations or discussing potential future outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "it is a distinct possibility" when a higher degree of certainty is warranted. If the outcome is highly probable, consider stronger phrases such as "it is highly likely" or "it is almost certain."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a distinct possibility" serves as an assessment of likelihood, indicating that a particular outcome or event is realistically conceivable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable, suggesting that its usage is grammatically sound and semantically valid. The examples show it in varied contexts from predicting economic trends to evaluating sports outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is a distinct possibility" is a grammatically sound and pragmatically useful expression for conveying a notable likelihood without asserting certainty. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and the examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts from news reporting to scientific analysis. While not exceedingly common, it strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it a versatile choice for writers and speakers aiming to introduce potential outcomes or scenarios with a degree of measured probability. Alternatives such as "it is quite possible" or "there is a good chance" can be considered to modulate the tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is quite possible

Replaces "distinct" with "quite", softening the certainty.

it is entirely possible

Replaces "distinct" with "entirely", emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the possibility.

it is highly probable

Substitutes "distinct possibility" with "highly probable", increasing the emphasis on likelihood.

it is a real possibility

Replaces "distinct" with "real", indicating a genuine chance of occurrence.

there is a strong chance

Uses stronger adjective to emphasize possibility and it's almost interchangeable.

there is a good chance

Uses a more informal tone to indicate a favorable probability.

it could very well be

An idiomatic phrase expressing a strong likelihood.

it is conceivable

Indicates something is imaginable or possible, though perhaps not likely.

it is within the realm of possibility

Expands the expression to highlight the scope of what is possible.

the possibility exists

A more formal and detached way of saying something is possible.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a distinct possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "it is a distinct possibility" to suggest a scenario that is reasonably likely but not guaranteed. For example, "Given the current economic climate, "it is a distinct possibility" that interest rates will rise."

What can I say instead of "it is a distinct possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "it is quite possible", "it is entirely possible", or "there is a good chance" depending on the context.

Is "it is a distinct possibility" formal or informal?

"It is a distinct possibility" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For more informal situations, you might prefer "there's a good chance". In more formal contexts, "it is highly probable" might be suitable.

Which is more likely, "it is a distinct possibility" or "it is highly likely"?

"It is highly likely" suggests a greater probability than "it is a distinct possibility". The latter indicates a notable chance, whereas the former suggests a strong expectation.