legitimate possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

"legitimate possibilities" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to potential opportunities or permissible courses of action. For example, "The company is exploring all legitimate possibilities in order to find the best solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

News corporations function as agencies within what Bernstein refers to as 'the field of symbolic control'; such agencies regulate 'the means, contexts and legitimate possibilities of cultural reproduction' (Bernstein 1990: 46).

Functional Linguistics

Both of these are legitimate possibilities.

Vice

He also loves science fiction but good science fiction, which "is based on science, its potential, and legitimate possibilities that we haven't yet arrived at".

Vice

While unlikely, these are all strange but legitimate possibilities that you are somewhat aware of, though little credence is ever ascribed to them.

Huffington Post

Research any jobs and lifestyles that strike you as legitimate possibilities.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

This time, it's a legitimate possibility".

The New York Times

Whether lacing up his gloves was simply naïveté or a legitimate possibility is unclear.

The New York Times - Sports

Bob Costas will be a free agent in midsummer when his contract ends, raising the legitimate possibility that he and NBC Sports will part.

The New York Times - Sports

Penders has joined an elite fraternity of coaches, including Lon Kruger, Rick Pitino and Eddie Sutton, who guided four colleges to the N.C.A.A. tournament, but there is a legitimate possibility that Penders, 64, may still lose his job.

The New York Times - Sports

Our minivans were equipped with DVDs about how not to get trodden on by an elephant, something which had fleetingly crossed my mind before but was now crystallised as a legitimate possibility.

The Guardian

In an accompanying article, Maria Zuber, a geophysicist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said the study raised "the legitimate possibility that, after the giant impact, our Earth perhaps fleetingly possessed more than one moon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "legitimate possibilities" when you want to emphasize that the options being considered are not only possible but also permissible, valid, or justifiable.

Common error

In casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "options" or "chances". Overusing the term "legitimate possibilities" can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legitimate possibilities" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "legitimate" modifies the noun "possibilities". It describes potential options or scenarios that are considered valid, acceptable, or justifiable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legitimate possibilities" is a grammatically correct and usable term that refers to options or scenarios considered valid and justifiable. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, finding it most prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts. While not overly formal, its use is more suited to professional or considered discourse. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "options" or "chances" may be more appropriate. When using "legitimate possibilities", make sure to emphasize both feasibility and compliance with relevant standards or rules. Related phrases include "valid options" and "viable alternatives".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid options

Replaces "possibilities" with a synonym focusing on the acceptability of the choices.

viable alternatives

Substitutes both words to suggest practically workable choices.

realistic scenarios

Shifts the focus to plausible future events.

acceptable solutions

Emphasizes the permissibility of proposed solutions.

lawful opportunities

Highlights legally compliant opportunities.

permissible avenues

Replaces both words to suggest allowable paths or methods.

justifiable prospects

Indicates future chances that are defensible or reasonable.

bonafide options

Suggests genuine and authentic choices.

authentic prospects

Emphasizes the genuineness and reliability of future chances.

tenable courses of action

Focuses on actions that are defensible or maintainable.

FAQs

What does "legitimate possibilities" mean?

The phrase "legitimate possibilities" refers to options or scenarios that are not only possible but also considered valid, acceptable, or justifiable within a specific context. It implies that these options adhere to certain standards, rules, or norms.

How can I use "legitimate possibilities" in a sentence?

You can use "legitimate possibilities" to describe potential courses of action or scenarios that are both feasible and acceptable. For example, "The company is exploring all "legitimate possibilities" to improve its environmental impact."

What are some alternatives to "legitimate possibilities"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "valid options", "viable alternatives", or "realistic scenarios".

Is "legitimate possibilities" formal or informal?

"Legitimate possibilities" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "options" or "chances" may be more appropriate.