narrow possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "narrow possibility" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small chance that something might happen. For example: "Given the current circumstances, there is a narrow possibility that the project will be completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It looks like the big refund war is over but there is a narrow possibility that some people might be able to claim back their bank charges.

The Guardian - Money

However, the narrow possibility of an alternative explanation remains.

Biology Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Science is a testing of ideas, discarding bad ones, narrowing possibilities, happening on entirely new ideas in the process.

The New York Times - Science

Cimino doesn't stint on the Western analogies, with horses and mountains and conflicts over land rights, and his image repertory is as vital and energetic as ever, but it's hard not to see a crisis of cinematic faith, a sense of narrowing possibilities, afflicting the film.

The New Yorker

If the step is too narrow, the possibility exists that the real value of the coefficient will be missed.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

Once the initial possible diagnoses are formed, other strategies are used to narrow the possibilities.

British Medical Journal

Perhaps this is the most important lesson an athlete can learn: a narrowing of possibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Using what is in season makes it easier to narrow the possibilities.

The New York Times - Food

He doesn't want to narrow interpretive possibilities, he wants to multiply them.

The New York Times

Clearly, the site has to let users narrow the possibilities, which means the users have to provide some information.

The New York Times

A federal scientist familiar with the investigation agreed but said the emerging evidence, including detailed genetic analyses of the strains to tease out even deeper clues, was helping narrow the possibilities of who launched the anthrax attacks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "narrow possibility" when you want to acknowledge a chance, however small, that something might occur. It conveys a sense of realism and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "narrow possibility" when the event is highly probable or certain. It's best suited for situations where the outcome is uncertain and the likelihood is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "narrow possibility" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "narrow" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "possibility". It indicates a limited or small chance that something might occur. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is valid and commonly used in English writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "narrow possibility" is a grammatically correct phrase that is used to describe a small or limited chance of something occurring. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriate use in written English. Although relatively rare, it appears in both news and scientific contexts. When writing, consider using related alternatives like "slim chance" or "remote possibility" to add variety. Remember to use "narrow possibility" when you want to acknowledge a possibility while simultaneously managing expectations by emphasizing its unlikelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim chance

Emphasizes the unlikelihood of an event occurring.

remote possibility

Highlights that the event is unlikely and far-fetched.

slight chance

Indicates a very small degree of likelihood.

minimal chance

Emphasizes the extremely small amount of chance available.

small likelihood

Directly describes the low probability of something happening.

unlikely prospect

Suggests that the event is improbable and not promising.

limited potential

Focuses on the restricted scope of what can be achieved.

restricted opportunity

Highlights the limited availability of an opportunity.

marginal prospect

Indicates a very thin or almost nonexistent chance.

faint hope

Highlights a weak or barely existing expectation of a positive outcome.

FAQs

What does "narrow possibility" mean?

The term "narrow possibility" refers to a situation where there is a small, limited chance of something occurring. It indicates that while not impossible, the likelihood is quite low.

How can I use "narrow possibility" in a sentence?

You might say, "There is a "narrow possibility" that the company will recover, but it's not likely." This shows that the chance of recovery exists, but it is minimal.

Are there alternatives to saying "narrow possibility"?

Yes, you could use phrases such as "slim chance", "remote possibility", or "slight chance" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "narrow possibility" the same as "limited possibility"?

While similar, "narrow possibility" focuses on the low probability of an event, whereas "limited possibility" often refers to constrained scope or options. The best choice depends on the specific context.