one of two possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one of two possibilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing options or outcomes, indicating that there are two potential scenarios or choices. Example: "In this situation, we have one of two possibilities: either we proceed with the project as planned, or we delay it for further review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

So it registers a bit of information, one of two possibilities: on or off.

MIT Technology Review

I'm going to guess this ability could result from one of two possibilities: either nanotechnology resonating on a specific frequency or quantum entanglement at the cellular level.

TechCrunch

It's very tragic what is going on because it's obvious that eventually there will be one of two possibilities: total disaster in the region or a big compromise and peace treaty.

The New York Times - Arts

"With familiarity, there are one of two possibilities: it can make you more prepared, and, on the other hand, it can increase complacency, so that you overlook obvious things.

The New Yorker

Formation of the living world based on D nucleotides and L amino acids would a result of fixation of one of two possibilities (see also Consequence 2. Chemical nature of progene and constituent selection).

Biology Direct

PROFESSOR: One of two possibilities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

However, if they were indistinguishable, like photons, their possible physical states would only be one of three possibilities: (H,H), (H,T), and (T,T), since (H1,T2) and (T1,H2) are now the same physical state; their statistical outcomes would now be different.

Forbes

For each paper in the study, we defined their linkage category, based on consensus among the authors, to be at least one of four possibilities: ◦ Analytic: Studies that use quantitative methods to assess human risk.

BMC Veterinary Research

The mudflow is thought to have been caused by one of four possibilities: gas-charged fluids breaching coral mounds on top of the limestone rock; a magmatic reaction generating gas; a new-born mud volcano; or hydrothermal fluids migrating from neighbouring areas.

The Guardian

This group is called the "R" group, where R stands for one of twenty possibilities of side chains.

Stanford University

They know that their son faces one of three possibilities: execution, life without parole, or life in a psychiatric ward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one of two possibilities" to clearly present mutually exclusive scenarios or choices, enhancing clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "one of two possibilities" in your writing. While useful for clarity, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary by using alternatives like "either/or" or "two options" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of two possibilities" serves as a determiner phrase introducing a limited set of potential outcomes or choices. It is commonly used to set up a binary situation, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples highlighting two distinct scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

57%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one of two possibilities" is a versatile expression used to frame situations with only two potential outcomes or choices. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, notably in news, scientific, and academic writing. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "two potential options" to maintain stylistic variety. This phrase effectively sets up a binary framework, enhancing clarity in analytical or decision-making processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two potential options

Focuses on the existence of two options, emphasizing their potential.

two possible outcomes

Highlights the result or consequence, emphasizing that there are two possible results.

two distinct choices

Emphasizes the act of choosing, indicating that there are two separate choices available.

either of two alternatives

Highlights the exclusivity and choice between two options.

one of two scenarios

Focuses on the unfolding of events, suggesting two possible situations.

one of two cases

Highlights specific instances and the limited number of those.

two eventualities

Emphasizes that the future is uncertain, and there are only two ways things could work out.

a binary choice

Uses technical language to present the options available.

a dual possibility

Slightly more formal and less common, indicating two existing possibilities.

two sides of the same coin

Indicates the phrase is more idiomatic that the two options are highly correlated with each other.

FAQs

How can I use "one of two possibilities" in a sentence?

Use "one of two possibilities" when presenting two potential outcomes or choices. For example, "The experiment will yield "one of two possibilities": either the hypothesis is supported, or it is rejected."

What are some alternatives to "one of two possibilities"?

Alternatives include "two potential options", "two possible outcomes", or "either of two alternatives". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it more formal to say "one of two possibilities" or "two options"?

"One of two possibilities" is slightly more formal than "two options". However, both are generally acceptable in formal writing. Choose the option that best fits the overall tone and style of your document.

What is the difference between "one of two possibilities" and "one of several possibilities"?

"One of two possibilities" indicates that only two outcomes are conceivable. "One of several possibilities" suggests there are more than two potential outcomes, making the situation less defined than "one of two possibilities".