possible match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'possible match' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to two items which may be considered compatible with each other. For example, "The two job candidates seemed like a possible match for each other, with their complementary skills and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We're looking for the best possible match.

Independent

The SDS images represents the goodness of each and every possible match.

Artificial Intelligence

In the same year, my father was introduced to my mother as a possible match.

The New Yorker

I've put lights in my bedroom that as best as possible match sunlight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They began to look at au-pair sites for a possible match.

The New Yorker

He flagged Mr. Kennedy as a possible match to a job listing.

The New York Times

Once they've found a possible match, Rommel's team checks whether the individual could still be alive.

The Washington Post

A quick perusal of the Capitol's passenger list turned up only one possible match, a C.C. Hosmer.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is accused of tolerating the sport's unsavoury practices, from possible match-rigging to the abusive treatment of initiates.

The Economist

The report was commissioned by tennis's governing bodies in the wake of concerns about possible match-fixing and unusual betting patterns.

The New York Times - Sports

England have to nullify the breakdown and take it out of the equation as a possible match-winning factor.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "possible match", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria or characteristics being considered for the potential connection or compatibility. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the statement's relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "possible match" when a more definitive term like "likely match" or "confirmed match" is appropriate. Overstating possibilities can weaken credibility and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible match" functions as a noun phrase, where "possible" modifies the noun "match". It indicates a potential or conceivable compatibility between two or more entities. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, showing it to be a flexible descriptive term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possible match" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a potential connection or compatibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It functions primarily as a noun phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using "possible match", ensure the context clearly defines the matching criteria to avoid ambiguity. While related phrases like "potential candidate" and "likely pairing" offer alternatives, the core meaning of potential alignment remains consistent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential candidate

Focuses on the potential of someone or something to be selected or considered for a particular role or purpose.

likely pairing

Suggests a probable combination or association between two things.

suitable pairing

Emphasizes the appropriateness and compatibility of two items or individuals.

prospective mate

Specifically refers to someone considered as a potential partner in a romantic context.

conditional alignment

Indicates an agreement or arrangement that is contingent upon certain conditions being met.

conceivable connection

Highlights that a relationship or link is imaginable or theoretically possible.

viable option

Presents something as a workable and practical choice among several possibilities.

feasible combination

Focuses on the achievability and practicality of bringing two or more things together.

imaginable link

Suggests that a connection, though perhaps not obvious, is within the realm of possibility.

theoretical fit

Emphasizes that the compatibility is based on abstract principles rather than concrete evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "possible match" to indicate a potential connection or compatibility between two or more things. For example, "The detective considered the suspect a "possible match" to the witness description."

What can I say instead of "possible match"?

You can use alternatives like "potential candidate", "likely pairing", or "suitable pairing" depending on the specific context.

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

Both "possible match" and "potential match" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you wish to emphasize. A ""possible match"" suggests something that could align, while "potential match" emphasizes inherent qualities that could lead to a fit.

What's the difference between "possible match" and "probable match"?

While both suggest a connection, ""possible match"" indicates a conceivable but not necessarily likely connection. "Probable match" suggests a higher degree of likelihood or expectation for a successful connection.