only possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only possibility" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when emphasizing that something is the sole option or alternative available. Example: "In this situation, the only possibility is to wait for further instructions." Alternative expressions include "sole option," "exclusive choice," and "single possibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although this mechanism is certainly possible, it may not be the only possibility for distal delivery.

eLife

Collective leadership was the only possibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's not the only possibility, though.

The New York Times - Food

Shrimp is not the only possibility here.

The New York Times - Food

But luck is not the only possibility.

The New York Times - Science

For Charlotte, marrying Collins is the only possibility.

The New Yorker

The only possibility for the alleviation of suffering.

The Guardian

"In other words, West Nile is not the only possibility".

The New York Times

In Rockaby, meanwhile, death offers the only possibility of mercy.

The Guardian

The only possibility, I think, is to make it popular.

The Economist

"The only possibility is to find a few strategic points of intervention.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "only possibility" to clearly and concisely convey the absence of alternatives in a given situation, ensuring the audience understands the limited scope of options.

Common error

Avoid using "only possibility" when multiple potential solutions exist, even if some are less desirable. Acknowledge the other options to maintain credibility and demonstrate thorough consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only possibility" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the single viable option or course of action available. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across various domains, showcasing its role in expressing limitations and constraints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only possibility" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase to convey that a single option or course of action exists. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, serving to emphasize the lack of alternatives and focus attention on the singular viable solution. While effective in clearly communicating limitations, it's important to avoid overuse in scenarios where multiple potential solutions are present. Alternatives like "sole option" or "only alternative" can offer similar emphasis with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole option

Emphasizes the singleness and exclusiveness of the choice, focusing on the absence of alternatives.

single option

Highlights the aspect that there is just one selection from which to choose.

only alternative

Highlights the lack of options, focusing on the single available course of action.

sole recourse

Implies that the situation is difficult and this is the only way to resolve it.

last resort

Suggests a final option when all other methods have failed.

only avenue

Presents the idea of a single path or method to reach a desired outcome.

unique solution

Underscores that there is one and only one way to address a problem.

one way out

Suggests that there's a difficult situation and only one escape or resolution.

the only game in town

Informal expression indicating a lack of competition or alternatives.

no other choice

Expresses that circumstances leave no freedom to select from other option.

FAQs

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

You can use "only possibility" to emphasize the absence of alternatives. For example: "Given the circumstances, the "only possibility" is to wait for further instructions."

What are some alternatives to "only possibility"?

Alternatives to "only possibility" include "sole option", "single option", or "only alternative". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "only possibility" or "only option"?

Both "only possibility" and "only option" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context of the sentence.

When is it appropriate to use "only possibility" in formal writing?

"Only possibility" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to clearly and directly state that there are no other viable options. However, consider using stronger synonyms like "sole recourse" in particularly serious situations.