leaving the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"leaving the possibility" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a situation or outcome that involves a chance or potential for something to happen. For example: "The doctors warned of the dangers but left the possibility of a full recovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yesterday, Mr. Monti responded to the letter, again leaving the possibility of negotiations open.

The New York Times

But the new rules have yet to be written, leaving the possibility that intelligence officials will still have wide discretion in sweeping up information about private citizens overseas.

The Washington Post

The law, however, only freezes the statute of limitations while the officials are in office, leaving the possibility of them being prosecuted after their terms end.

The New York Times

Despite the evidence showing the contribution of these loci to AD pathogenesis, their genetic architecture has not been extensively investigated, leaving the possibility that low frequency and rare coding variants may also occur and contribute to the risk of disease.

Neurobiology of Aging

By leaving the possibility of lawsuits open, he left an air of uncertainty over a budget that appeared to be all but resolved, more than 40 days late but still earlier than in many other years.

The New York Times

Many European leaders are to snub the event owing to Russia's current policies in Ukraine, leaving the possibility of Putin sharing the podium with mainly autocratic leaders from around the world, including North Korea's Kim Jong-un.

The Guardian

While staying in Oakland would be ideal, says owner Mark Davis, the city has refused to offer assistance to erect a new single sport stadium, leaving the possibility of a move more likely.

The Guardian - Sport

RAIN WASHES OUT PLAY AT DFS: Rain washed out play at the DFS Classic women's grass-court tournament yesterday in Birmingham, England, leaving the possibility that some players will have to play three times today.

The New York Times - Sports

Part of the site which was the actual Spitalfields, the fields and orchards of a great medieval hospital remains to be excavated this summer, leaving the possibility of equally spectacular finds.

The Guardian

Although Smith has said he wants to stay, the most the Knicks can pay him, using "early-Bird" rights, is about $5.5 million, leaving the possibility that they could be outbid.

The New York Times - Sports

The study's surprisingly high death toll reflected only those killings in which victims had been identified by their full name, and the date and location of their death had been recorded, leaving the possibility of many more dead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaving the possibility", clearly state what that possibility entails to avoid ambiguity. Providing context will help your audience understand the implications.

Common error

Avoid using "leaving the possibility" when the outcome is highly improbable or unrealistic. Employing the phrase in such contexts can dilute its impact and create unnecessary confusion. Be realistic to give the expression accuracy and reliability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaving the possibility" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a modifier, often introducing a potential outcome or alternative scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaving the possibility" is a versatile phrase used to express contingency and uncertainty across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in science and news media, it serves to introduce potential alternative outcomes or scenarios. While appropriate for neutral register, writers should avoid using it when discussing unrealistic or improbable situations to prevent diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "maintaining the option" or "preserving the chance" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintaining the option

Emphasizes the active preservation of a choice.

not ruling out the option

Highlights the absence of a definite rejection of a choice.

preserving the chance

Highlights the safeguarding of a particular opportunity.

leaving scope for the option

Focuses on leaving flexibility for a particular choice.

leaving room for the chance

Focuses on creating space for something to occur.

not precluding the opportunity

Emphasizes the fact that a specific chance is not excluded.

allowing for the prospect

Focuses on the allowance of something to happen in the future.

permitting the contingency

Emphasizes allowing for something that may occur in the future.

sustaining the prospect

Highlights the continuation of a certain outlook.

keeping the door open

Uses a metaphor to describe maintaining an opportunity.

FAQs

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

You can use "leaving the possibility" to indicate that an option or chance remains open. For example, "The negotiations are ongoing, "leaving the possibility" of a deal."

What are some alternatives to "leaving the possibility"?

Alternatives include phrases like "maintaining the option", "preserving the chance", or "allowing for the prospect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "leaving the possibility" or "leaving open the possibility"?

Both "leaving the possibility" and "leaving open the possibility" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference, though "leaving open the possibility" might slightly emphasize the intention to keep the option available.

In what contexts is "leaving the possibility" most appropriate?

"Leaving the possibility" is suitable in various contexts, including discussions about negotiations, scientific research, and future plans. It is particularly useful when discussing situations with uncertain outcomes.