possibility of which

USAGE SUMMARY

"possibility of which" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a previously mentioned possibility, or when introducing a new one. For example: "The local business had the possibility of success, of which everyone was hopeful for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

We go romping and chattering into such precincts at our peril, a possibility of which Geoffrey Wall seems to have been blissfully unaware.

The New York Times - Books

Even this was overly generous coming from a man fresh from nuptials, the possibility of which the C of E did so much lobbying to oppose.

The Guardian - Opinion

Actually, there was a fourth possibility of which the Brogan officials were unaware: asking the State Department to declare the museum immune from any seizure order.

The New York Times - Arts

Before phagocytosis is accomplished, the phagocyte and the particle must adhere to each other, the possibility of which depends largely on the chemical nature of the surface of the particle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Prime Minister is likely to try once again to assure Washington that her country is not trying to develop nuclear weapons, the possibility of which has been the main irritant in American-Pakistani relations and has led to a Congressional ban on any new aid since 1990.

The New York Times

But hitting in the face is still an act the possibility of which I retain as an idea--one of those unerasable personal facts we carry around in deep memory and inventory almost every day, and that represent the seemingly realest, least unequivocal realities we can claim access to..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Indeed, there are few clauses of the Constitution, the merely literal possibilities of which have been so little developed as the Full Faith and Credit Clause.

Cornell University

When parties engage in deliberative negotiation, they can often discover or create possibilities of which they had no idea before beginning the process.

Harvard University

The first use of a SQUID with a human subject, the experiment threw open the doors to medical applications of the technology, the possibilities of which researchers are still exploring today.

Harvard University

The Vikings, who like those later explorers were driven by curiosity and armed with the latest innovations, also set out to conquer an uncharted world, the breadth and possibilities of which could not be entirely conceived.

The New York Times - Arts

There are several possibilities, of which four are worth emphasizing.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possibility of which" to clearly link a potential outcome or situation to a previously mentioned concept, creating a concise and formal connection between ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "possibility of which" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "that might happen" or "which could occur" are often more appropriate and natural-sounding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibility of which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a preceding noun phrase by specifying a potential outcome or condition associated with it. Ludwig examples show it in use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possibility of which" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to connect a previously mentioned concept with a potential outcome or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a relative clause and is most frequently found in news and media, science, and academic writing. While it is suitable for formal writing contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "chance of which" or "likelihood of which" to adjust the nuance. Overall, this phrase provides a precise way to link ideas in sophisticated discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the chance of which

Replaces "possibility" with "chance", focusing on the likelihood of something happening.

the prospect of which

Uses "prospect" instead of "possibility", emphasizing a future outlook.

the likelihood of which

Substitutes "possibility" with "likelihood", highlighting the probability of an event.

the potential for which

Replaces "possibility" with "potential", stressing the inherent capacity for something to occur.

an instance of which

Focuses on a specific occurrence or example instead of a general possibility.

a scenario of which

Highlights a hypothetical situation or course of events.

the occasion of which

Emphasizes a specific time or event when something might happen.

the hope of which

Expresses optimism or desire related to the potential outcome.

the risk of which

Focuses on the negative consequences associated with the possibility.

the option of which

Presents the possibility as one of several available choices.

FAQs

How can I use "possibility of which" in a sentence?

You can use "possibility of which" to link a potential outcome to a previously mentioned idea. For example, "The project carries a significant risk, the "possibility of which" requires careful mitigation strategies".

What are some alternatives to "possibility of which"?

Alternatives include "the chance of which", "the "prospect of which"", or "the "likelihood of which"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "possibility of which" or "of which the possibility"?

"Possibility of which" is generally the preferred phrasing as it maintains a more natural and logical flow, placing the focus on the possibility itself rather than inverting the structure.

When is it appropriate to use "possibility of which" in writing?

Use "possibility of which" in formal writing where you need to make a clear and direct link between a potential event and a previously stated concept. It's suitable for academic papers, legal documents, or professional reports.