minimal possibility that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimal possibility that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a very low likelihood or chance of something occurring. Example: "There is a minimal possibility that the event will be canceled due to weather conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The island is far enough from the mainland that gene flow is likely to have been minimal, a possibility that is supported by the slightly different colouration of birds compared to the mainland [27].

Plosone

Although the rationale for this treatment was to block cholinergic excitatory nerves in the LES and therefore decrease resting LES pressure, the pressure decline in patients responding to this therapy is often minimal, raising the possibility that its effect involves some other mechanism(s).

Nature

Although we cannot absolutely exclude the possibility that minimal metabolisms exist with more than 400 reactions, the fact that all of the minimal metabolisms we found have fewer reactions suggests that the emergence of new genotype network components will be rare above 400 reactions.

BMC Systems Biology

In this case, there is the possibility that minimal quantities of drugs and their metabolites (residues) which remain in edible tissues or in animal products (meat, milk) induce certain harmful effects in consumers of such food (Sanders 2007).

Pastoralism

But the possibility that the minimal exertion of standing more and sitting less improves brain health could lower the bar for everyone.

The New York Times

The possibility that the minimal kinome is produced by a few kinases seems unlikely since single kinase experiments reproduce a very limited part of this panel.

Plosone

We cannot exclude the possibility that a minimal number of cells, below the detection limit of the assay (< 1% of tumor cells) harbor mutations in KRAS, however, we used the same diagnostic assay currently included in the clinical practice to select colorectal patients for anti-EGFR treatments.

BMC Cancer

The chances of Anderson playing ought to be minimal, however, even if the sentimental possibility that he might not play another Ashes match comes into the equation.

The Guardian - Sport

Evidence started to accumulate that tRNAs of certain acariform mites are even shorter than the minimal tRNAs of nematodes, raising the possibility that tRNAs lacking both D- and T-arms might exist in these organisms.

BMC Genomics

Cornell's Mingle said the university does not have any substantial assets in England, which, presumably, leaves open the possibility that the school has minimal assets there that Godfrey may seek.

The New York Times

The finding that ecdysone signaling is involved in mediating the switch in the developmental response to starvation that occurs at the minimal viable weight [41], [42] suggests the possibility that in Drosophila starvation induces metamorphosis by enhancing ecdysone secretion.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "minimal possibility that", ensure that the context clearly conveys the low probability you intend to express. Consider if a stronger phrase might be more appropriate if the chance is truly negligible.

Common error

Avoid using "minimal possibility that" when the event is actually impossible. Reserve this phrase for situations where there is still some, however small, chance of occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal possibility that" functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement to indicate a very low degree of probability or chance. It's used to acknowledge a potential outcome while emphasizing its unlikeliness. The absence of examples according to Ludwig, suggests the need to express ideas in other words or it is not common the use of the phrase in certain contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "minimal possibility that" is grammatically correct for expressing a low probability or chance. According to Ludwig, there are no examples for this kind of sentence. This suggests either the need to rephrase ideas or its uncommon use within the analyzed resources. Alternative phrases, such as "slight chance that" or "low likelihood that", might be more commonly used depending on the specific context. When employing this phrase, consider the clarity and potential for misinterpretation, ensuring that the level of improbability is accurately conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight chance that

Replaces "minimal possibility" with a more direct expression of low probability.

low likelihood that

Substitutes "possibility" with "likelihood", maintaining a formal tone and similar meaning.

remote chance that

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of the event, suggesting a very small chance.

slim chance that

Uses "slim" to indicate a small and perhaps fragile possibility.

slightest chance that

Highlights the extremely low probability of something happening.

little chance that

A more informal way to express a low probability.

bare possibility that

Emphasizes the almost non-existent nature of the chance.

negligible chance that

Indicates that the chance is so small it's practically insignificant.

improbable that

Focuses on the lack of probability, rather than the degree of possibility.

unlikely that

States directly that something is not likely to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "minimal possibility that" in a sentence?

Use "minimal possibility that" to express a very low likelihood of something happening. For example, "There is a minimal possibility that the project will be delayed."

What can I say instead of "minimal possibility that"?

You can use alternatives like "slight chance that", "low likelihood that", or "remote chance that".

Is it correct to say "minimal possibility of" instead of "minimal possibility that"?

While "minimal possibility of" might be grammatically acceptable in some contexts, "minimal possibility that" is generally preferred when followed by a clause expressing a potential outcome or event. "Minimal possibility of" is better when followed by a noun phrase.

What's the difference between "minimal possibility that" and "no possibility that"?

"Minimal possibility that" suggests there's still a very small chance of something occurring, while "no possibility that" indicates that something is completely impossible.