possible complication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible complication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential issues or challenges that may arise in a particular situation or context. Example: "Before proceeding with the surgery, the doctor explained the possible complications that could occur during the procedure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One possible complication is that the application form required companies to disclose any past or pending investigations or legal actions relating to their business practices.

The New York Times

Limited in what treatments they can offer, doctors sometimes fail to advise patients of every option available — or every possible complication.

The New York Times

And it also suggested a possible complication that might get me out of the too-easy-metaphor dilemma described above: make the SGs happy to be doing this "work".

The New Yorker

One possible complication for Convatec is unease about the financing markets, which have grown more volatile during the recent market turmoil.

The New York Times

One possible complication for Convatec is unease about the financing markets, which have grown more volatile amid the recent market turmoil.

The New York Times

The bacterium produces a potent toxin that may result in bloody diarrhea; hemolytic uremic syndrome, a possible complication, is a major cause of acute kidney failure in children.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is one possible complication for Blackstone and Mr. Dell: the private equity firm is not sure whether it would keep him as chief executive should it succeed.

The New York Times

Esophageal ulceration is a possible complication of variceal ligation.

Annals of Intensive Care

A possible complication due to tibial rotational osteotomy is peroneal nerve palsy [10].

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

A possible complication associated with hydroxyapatite implant surface is the release of particles.

Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger

Also, acute thrombosis after bioprosthetic valve replacement is a possible complication.

JA Clinical Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical procedures or business ventures, clearly state the "possible complications" to ensure transparency and informed decision-making.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential impact of a "possible complication". Use precise language to accurately represent the risk without causing undue alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible complication" functions as a noun phrase where "possible" modifies the noun "complication". This indicates a potential, but not certain, problem or difficulty. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible complication" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight potential difficulties or issues that may arise in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedia entries. While "possible complication" is quite common, alternatives like "potential issue" or "potential problem" can be used to provide variety, without changing the general meaning. When using this phrase, it's crucial to accurately represent the level of risk without exaggerating the potential impact of the complication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential difficulty

Replaces "possible complication" with a more general term for a problem.

potential issue

Substitutes "complication" with "issue", indicating a less severe problem.

potential problem

Replaces "complication" with "problem", suggesting a straightforward difficulty.

possible difficulty

Uses "difficulty" instead of "complication", implying a challenge.

possible issue

Substitutes "complication" with "issue", for less severity.

possible problem

Uses "problem" instead of "complication", implying a straightforward challenge.

conceivable setback

Replaces "possible complication" with a term suggesting hindrance or delay.

potential obstacle

Substitutes "complication" with "obstacle", implying something blocking progress.

likely pitfall

Replaces "possible complication" with a term suggesting a hidden danger.

foreseeable snag

Substitutes "complication" with "snag", suggesting a minor impediment.

FAQs

How to use "possible complication" in a sentence?

You can use "possible complication" to refer to potential issues or challenges that may arise in a particular situation. For example, "One "possible complication" is that the application form required companies to disclose any past or pending investigations."

What can I say instead of "possible complication"?

You can use alternatives like "potential issue", "potential problem", or "potential difficulty" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "possible complication" or "potential complication"?

Both "possible complication" and "potential complication" are correct and often interchangeable. "Potential" may suggest a slightly higher likelihood, but the difference is often negligible.

What's the difference between "possible complication" and "likely complication"?

"Possible complication" indicates that something could occur, while "likely complication" suggests a higher probability of it happening. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the assessed risk.