mentioned the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'mentioned the possibility' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone talking about the chance of something happening or being the case. For example, "John mentioned the possibility of winning the lottery, but he knew his chances were slim."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only one website mentioned the possibility of side effects, and none mentioned possible interaction with drugs.

BMC Public Health

Someone cheerily mentioned the possibility of waterspouts.

The New Yorker

But neither has mentioned the possibility.

The Washington Post

He mentioned the possibility of my taking over his business.

The New York Times - Magazine

But had he even mentioned the possibility to his wife?

The New York Times

He mentioned the possibility of widespread public unrest.

The New Yorker

The other threat is something I mentioned the possibility of yesterday - Tropical Storm Earl.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He said the threat mentioned the possibility of anthrax or explosives.

The New York Times

Nobody had mentioned the possibility of finishing dead-last in a 300-boat fleet, though.

The New York Times

Someone mentioned the possibility, and Bryant batted it away, but this time with humor.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes he mentioned the possibility of divorce, which has little stigma for male Muslims in Egypt.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mentioned the possibility" when you want to introduce an idea or potential outcome without necessarily endorsing it. It's a good way to present options or scenarios for consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "mentioned the possibility" when the outcome is highly probable or already confirmed. Opt for stronger verbs like "confirmed", "guaranteed", or "established" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mentioned the possibility" functions as a verb phrase introducing a potential scenario or idea. It indicates that someone has brought up a chance or potential outcome, without necessarily endorsing or confirming it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mentioned the possibility" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a potential scenario or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a common expression across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to use it to present options without overstating certainty, and consider alternatives like "raised the prospect of" or "brought up the potential for" to refine your meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, you can effectively integrate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raised the prospect of

Emphasizes the potential future occurrence of something.

alluded to the chance of

Implies a less direct reference to a possibility.

brought up the potential for

Focuses on the inherent potential within a situation.

hinted at the likelihood of

Suggests a subtle indication that something is probable.

touched on the subject of

Indicates a brief mention of a possible topic.

floated the idea of

Suggests introducing an idea for consideration without strong commitment.

broached the topic of

Implies initiating a discussion about a potential issue.

entertained the thought of

Indicates a consideration of a specific possibility.

contemplated the option of

Suggests a deeper reflection on a course of action.

brought to the fore the option of

Highlights the importance of considering one option among others.

FAQs

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

You can use "mentioned the possibility" to introduce a potential outcome or idea that someone has raised. For example, "The doctor mentioned the possibility of surgery if the medication doesn't work".

What are some alternatives to "mentioned the possibility"?

You can use alternatives like "raised the prospect of", "alluded to the chance of", or "brought up the potential for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "mentioned the possibility" or "suggested the possibility"?

Both are acceptable, but "mentioned the possibility" is more neutral. "Suggested the possibility" implies a slightly stronger endorsement or belief in the likelihood of the event.

What's the difference between "mentioned the possibility" and "predicted the possibility"?

"Mentioned the possibility" simply introduces an idea, while "predicted the possibility" implies a forecast or expectation based on some form of analysis or insight.