on this possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on this possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific potential outcome or scenario that is being considered or evaluated. Example: "We should conduct further research on this possibility before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Lucent declined to comment on this possibility.

The New York Times

For information on this possibility, contact the statistics office, Standesamt Wien Innere Stadt, Mariahilf, Schlesingerplatz 4, A-1082 Vienna, Austria; phone [phone], fax [phone].

The New York Times - Travel

We conclude the Big Bang happened because every piece of observational evidence we have about the universe is precisely consistent with predictions based on this possibility and none other.

The New Yorker

This might have the whiff of nonsense, but Nick Bostrom, a professor of philosophy at the University of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, and his colleague, Anders Sandberg, are both banking on this possibility.

The Guardian

I had become abruptly conscious of the fact that, since I was watching her, it was quite possible someone else was watching me, and I wanted to draw the curtains, so to speak, on this possibility.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Other Senate prediction models like the Times' Leo, place substantial weight on this possibility. For an explanation of why my model is different, see my earlier post on fundamentals).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

However, it would be a serious mistake to think that contemporary controversies about the nature of the mind really turn on this remote possibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only doses administered while targeted remodeling is going on will have this possibility.

Acta Orthopaedica

We plan on investigating this possibility using coherence measures of brain activity.

Plosone

We hereafter focused on testing this possibility.

Endocrine-Related Cancer

Likewise, the location and type of meniscal tear may be an important and underappreciated determinant of treatment response, and future efforts should focus on examining this possibility.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "on this possibility" with stronger or more specific alternatives like "given this scenario" or "regarding this expectation" to improve clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where "on this possibility" leads to a passive voice. Instead of "Action should be taken on this possibility", prefer "We should act if this possibility arises" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on this possibility" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce a condition, assumption, or potential outcome being considered. Ludwig AI validates this usage. It often connects a statement to a specific potential event or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on this possibility" is a common prepositional phrase used to introduce a potential outcome or scenario that is being considered. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the possibility is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. For greater impact, consider stronger alternatives like "given this scenario" or "regarding this expectation". Overusing passive voice should be avoided, opting instead for more direct constructions. Remember to select the most appropriate synonym or alternative based on context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding this potential

Replaces "possibility" with "potential", focusing on the inherent capacity for something to occur. Introduces a slightly more formal tone.

concerning this prospect

Substitutes "possibility" with "prospect", emphasizing the anticipation or outlook for a future event. This emphasizes a forward-looking perspective.

in light of this eventuality

Replaces the phrase with a more formal and prepared tone, emphasizing planning for a specific, often negative, outcome.

with respect to this contingency

Implies that the action or discussion is dependent upon a condition that may or may not happen. It has a slightly more formal and cautious tone.

considering this option

Focuses on a choice among alternatives, where "possibility" refers to a course of action being evaluated. Emphasizes decision-making.

given this scenario

Highlights a hypothetical situation, implying the discussion is based on a specific set of conditions being true or assumed. It emphasizes context.

taking into account this likelihood

Emphasizes that the chance of something is being factored into the decision or assessment. "Likelihood" suggests probability.

based on this assumption

Shifts the focus to an underlying belief or premise. Emphasizes the logical foundation for further reasoning. It makes the assumption explicit.

in view of this outlook

Suggests that the course of action or discussion is influenced by a forecast or expectation. Implies a broader evaluation of the situation.

regarding this expectation

Emphasizes that the discussion is related to a specific anticipated outcome or belief. Less about something that might happen, more about the feeling something is going to happen.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on this possibility" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "regarding this potential", "concerning this prospect", or "in light of this eventuality".

When is it appropriate to use "on this possibility" in writing?

It's suitable when discussing a potential outcome or scenario that is being actively considered or evaluated. Ensure the context makes it clear what the possibility refers to.

What's the difference between "on this possibility" and "given this scenario"?

"On this possibility" is a general phrase referring to something that might occur, while "given this scenario" highlights a specific hypothetical situation with assumed conditions.

Are there situations where using "on this possibility" might be unclear?

Yes, if the context doesn't clearly define what the possibility is, it can lead to ambiguity. In such cases, be more explicit or use a more specific alternative like "regarding this expectation".