possible diagnosis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible diagnosis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical contexts when discussing potential health conditions that a patient may have based on symptoms or tests. Example: "After reviewing the patient's symptoms, the doctor provided a list of possible diagnoses to consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Invited TB consultants and HIV physicians rejected the possibility of TB despite radiological reports suggesting TB as a possible diagnosis.

BMC Infectious Diseases

He was referred for a possible diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.

The New York Times - Health

Regression due to psychological trauma was not considered as a possible diagnosis, the report said.

The Guardian

It is unconscionable to casually correlate a possible diagnosis with stereotypes.

The New Yorker

Choose one and write a report outlining the symptoms and possible diagnosis for treating this ailment.

The New York Times

For further treatment, I began surfing health sites and came up with this possible diagnosis: Internet addiction disorder.

The New York Times - Health

Nuran said that she was notified by health officials from various agencies about the possible diagnosis on Monday night.

The Guardian

When a doctor so much as mentions a possible diagnosis, many patients rush to their computers to learn more about it.

The New York Times

According to the teacher, medics in Tehran have also sent samples to Germany for a possible diagnosis.

Independent

"The doctor told us this was the best possible diagnosis in that there is no intervention or medication necessary".

The New York Times

It did not take long for Dr. Maha Ahmad to zero in on a possible diagnosis: narcolepsy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "possible diagnosis", ensure that you follow it with further investigation or testing to confirm or rule out the condition. For example: "The doctor listed 'possible diagnosis' of pneumonia, and ordered a chest X-ray to confirm."

Common error

Avoid presenting a "possible diagnosis" as a definite one without proper confirmation. This can mislead patients and lead to inappropriate treatment decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible diagnosis" functions as a noun phrase, where 'possible' modifies 'diagnosis'. It identifies a potential but not yet confirmed medical condition. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts where doctors are considering different conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possible diagnosis" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a potential medical condition requiring further investigation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overstating certainty and to follow up with appropriate tests or consultations. Alternatives such as "potential diagnosis" or "probable diagnosis" may be more appropriate depending on the level of certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential diagnosis

Replaces "possible" with "potential", indicating capability rather than certainty.

probable diagnosis

Suggests a higher likelihood than "possible", implying a stronger basis for the diagnosis.

conceivable diagnosis

Indicates that the diagnosis is imaginable or believable, though not necessarily likely.

feasible diagnosis

Highlights that the diagnosis is practical and achievable given the available information.

tentative diagnosis

Emphasizes the provisional nature of the diagnosis, subject to further confirmation.

differential diagnosis

Refers to a list of possible conditions considered before making a final diagnosis.

suspected diagnosis

Highlights that the diagnosis is based on suspicion or initial observations.

preliminary diagnosis

Indicates an early or initial diagnosis that may change as more information becomes available.

working diagnosis

Implies a diagnosis used as a guide for treatment and investigation while awaiting definitive confirmation.

diagnostic possibility

Rephrases the concept, focusing on the possibility from a diagnostic perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "possible diagnosis" in a sentence?

You can use "possible diagnosis" to indicate a potential condition that a patient might have. For example: "After the initial examination, the doctor mentioned a "possible diagnosis" of influenza, but further tests are needed."

What's a good alternative to "possible diagnosis"?

Alternatives include "potential diagnosis", "probable diagnosis", or "suspected diagnosis", depending on the context and the level of certainty.

Is it appropriate to self-diagnose based on a "possible diagnosis" found online?

While researching symptoms online can be informative, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. A "possible diagnosis" found online should not replace professional medical advice.

When is it necessary to seek a second opinion after receiving a "possible diagnosis"?

Seeking a second opinion is advisable when facing complex medical conditions or when you're uncertain about the initial "possible diagnosis" or the recommended treatment plan.