matter of possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matter of possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood or feasibility of a situation or event occurring. Example: "In this case, it is a matter of possibility whether we can complete the project on time given the current resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While we say this as a matter of possibility, there is also the equal possibility that China will not because it has assured us of its relationship of goodwill with us.

Huffington Post

These expected outcomes are just a matter of possibility not of probability (as far as the kinetic and thermodynamic details of the assembly are unknown).

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A few years ago, I became increasingly interested in all the academic institutions around the world that are working on new theories of reality – in particular quantum mechanics, which says nothing is for certain, everything is a matter of possibilities.

The Guardian - Arts

From the beginning, the Germans were bent on attack, and, recalling the slow stalemate of England's tactical tie with Uruguay, we realized that open, attacking play was still a matter of forceful possibility, and drew a heavy line under West Germany's name on our scorecards.

The New Yorker

Thus, even if two theories instantiate a relation of the sort required by Nagel's model, we should not speak of proper reduction, if as a matter of epistemic possibility the connection between the domains of the two theories remains too loose to support the materialist claims.

SEP

"The alien question," Achenbach concludes, "is likely to remain a matter of infinite possibilities and zero certainties".

The New York Times - Books

And on the matter of disturbing possibilities, Dowell may even be complicit in his wife's suicide.

The Guardian - Books

"On Histories and Stories" shows her mastering the literary past, and a good deal of the current scene, not as an act of possession but as a matter of future, creative possibility.

The New York Times - Books

As a matter of fact, another possibility was that the externally-loaded Na might exist differently from the original one in raw coal regarding to its distribution and occurring forms (Kershaw et al. 2000).

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

As a matter of fact, the possibility of clearing the airways in the early phases of NPPV is likely to reduce the need for ETI in patients with an unfavourable balance between an excessive burden of secretions (e.g. COPD exacerbations due to CAP) and an inefficient spontaneous clearance (e.g. poor cough reflex due to HE).

Critical Care

Despite the promise of more grim subject matter, the possibility of a live tour led by an actual DDR-era inmate was too hard to resist.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matter of possibility" when you want to express that something is not certain but is within the realm of what could happen or be true. This is particularly useful in scenarios where you want to acknowledge uncertainty while still suggesting feasibility.

Common error

Avoid using "matter of possibility" when you intend to discuss the likelihood or chance of something happening. "Possibility" indicates something could occur, while "probability" assesses how likely that occurrence is. For expressing likelihood use phrases like "matter of probability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matter of possibility" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes the potential or feasibility of a certain outcome or situation. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "matter of possibility" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that something is potentially achievable or within the realm of what could occur, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, its usage is consistent across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science domains. Related phrases such as ""question of feasibility"" and ""issue of likelihood"" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, but may emphasize slightly different aspects, such as practicality or likelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

question of feasibility

Changes the focus to whether something can be done practically.

issue of likelihood

Shifts the emphasis to the probability of something occurring.

degree of possibility

Highlights that possibility exists on a spectrum.

potentiality

A more concise and formal term for possibility.

chance of occurrence

Emphasizes the likelihood of an event taking place.

scope for possibility

Suggests the extent or range where possibility exists.

prospect of success

Focuses on the potential for a favorable outcome.

option of realization

Highlights the opportunity for something to become real.

opening for opportunity

Emphasizes a favorable condition or chance for something.

room for speculation

Focuses on there being space to consider various outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "matter of possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "matter of possibility" to describe scenarios where something is not certain but remains within the realm of what is achievable or could happen. For example: "Completing the project on time is a "matter of possibility", given the team's current resources."

What phrases are similar to "matter of possibility"?

Similar phrases include "question of feasibility", "issue of likelihood", or "degree of possibility". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "matter of probability" instead of "matter of possibility"?

Use "matter of probability" when you want to emphasize the likelihood or chance of something occurring, rather than simply stating that it is possible. "Possibility" implies something could happen, while "probability" assigns a degree of likelihood to that event.

Is "matter of possibility" a formal or informal expression?

"Matter of possibility" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for a variety of settings, from academic discussions to everyday conversations.