open possibilities

USAGE SUMMARY

'open possibilities' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that an event or decision is likely to lead to other possible outcomes. For example, "Their new partnership opens up possibilities for success in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This could open possibilities to design improved optical devices.

Dyes and Pigments

He trails off, not sounding very convinced by the "open possibilities".

The Guardian - Film

"Leaving open possibilities" is exactly what she does, and why she continues to surprise and inspire us.

The New York Times

"Sex and the City" held open possibilities to the viewer: Come, come to New York and be fabulous!

The New Yorker

A decision, for example, to build a more efficient plant will open possibilities for an expanded market.

Harvard Business Review

The presence of the general "shear deformation shape function" provides further open possibilities in considering the material and the geometrical constraints of the problem in a realistic manner.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This study can open possibilities for future enriching of CO2 and N2 miscible injection to improve miscibility and recovery of oil.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

He points to Yemen and Libya, where embattled leaders are clinging to power, as places where turmoil could open possibilities for jihadists to organize.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Although they're in no danger of turning professional and might well argue onstage over keys and tempos, they still see wide-open possibilities in the old ballads, blues and waltzes.

The New York Times

In America, with its wide-open spaces and wide-open possibilities, we celebrate the "self-made athlete," honor effort and luck and let children seek their own course for as long as they can — even when that means living with dreams that are unattainable and always were.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have already mentioned in passing that Origin Essentialism3 is less than originally hoped for, since it leaves open possibilities such as a table's being one of two tables originally made from matter that does not overlap the matter from which it was actually originally made that are at odds with the intuition of origin essentialism.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "open possibilities" to suggest that a specific action or situation creates new opportunities or potential outcomes. For example, "Investing in renewable energy opens possibilities for a sustainable future."

Common error

Avoid using "open possibilities" when referring to certainties or highly probable outcomes. It's best suited for situations with genuine uncertainty and potential for diverse results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open possibilities" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It refers to a range of potential future outcomes or opportunities that become available or apparent as a result of a particular action or situation, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open possibilities" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that an action, decision, or event creates new opportunities or potential outcomes. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, especially science, news and media, and formal business settings. It functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb, and carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, it is essential to ensure that the suggested possibilities are genuine and not merely probable outcomes. By using it correctly, writers can effectively convey a sense of optimism and highlight the potential benefits of a particular course of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

create opportunities

Focuses on the act of making opportunities rather than just revealing them.

present opportunities

Focuses on highlighting existing opportunities that may not be immediately apparent.

unlock potential

Emphasizes the idea of releasing existing, but hidden, potential.

reveal prospects

Highlights the act of uncovering future possibilities.

pave the way

Suggests clearing obstacles to allow future progress.

create avenues

Highlights the creation of pathways or channels for advancement.

yield prospects

Suggests that something will naturally lead to future options.

expand horizons

Focuses on broadening perspectives and future outlooks.

offer prospects

Emphasizes the potential for future success or advancement.

allow avenues

Indicates permission or enablement for future progress.

FAQs

How can I use "open possibilities" in a sentence?

You can use "open possibilities" to suggest that something creates new opportunities or potential outcomes. For instance, "This new technology "opens possibilities" for personalized medicine."

What are some alternatives to "open possibilities"?

Alternatives include phrases like "create opportunities", "unlock potential", or "pave the way", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "opens up possibilities" instead of "open possibilities"?

Yes, "opens up possibilities" is a common and grammatically sound variant. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, with "opens up possibilities" sometimes suggesting a more significant or transformative impact.

What's the difference between "open possibilities" and "create possibilities"?

"Open possibilities" implies revealing or making apparent existing, but perhaps unrealized, opportunities. "Create possibilities", on the other hand, suggests actively bringing new opportunities into existence.