preclude the possibility of

USAGE SUMMARY

"preclude the possibility of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is impossible or highly unlikely. For example, "Advanced security measures preclude the possibility of any outsider accessing the sensitive data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although the layouts mentioned heretofore often preclude the possibility of arranging plants strictly according to their taxonomic relationships, this is still possible for certain groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shariatmadari seemed to preclude the possibility of a military assault by American forces.

The New Yorker

But even the ranking system does not preclude the possibility of listening to something painful.

The New York Times - Tech

While it is hoped the bailout will preclude the possibility of bankruptcy not everybody is convinced.

The Guardian - Business

But an eagerness to normalize relations with the West doesn't preclude the possibility of violence.

The New York Times

It is understood the decision to tear up the former's contract does not preclude the possibility of such a move.

The Guardian - Sport

He is not against ideologies, but against ideologies fermees, which keep men from thinking & preclude the possibility of having ideas.

The New Yorker

It is more composed than it first seems, and its arrangements preclude the possibility of numbing strings of solos.

The New York Times

But he and his successors in the Obama Administration haven't done enough to preclude the possibility of a repeat performance.

The New Yorker

Taking its cue from public anger, post-crash legislation went to great pains to preclude the possibility of another bailout.

The Washington Post

Leaving would mean missing friends and acclimating to a new class; staying would preclude the possibility of a fresh start.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required by your audience. While "preclude the possibility of" is generally suitable for formal and semi-formal writing, simpler alternatives like "prevent" may be more appropriate for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "preclude the possibility of" when a simpler term like "prevent" or "rule out" would suffice. Overly complex phrasing can make your writing sound pretentious and less accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preclude the possibility of" functions as a verb phrase that expresses the act of preventing something from happening. It indicates that a particular action or condition makes a future event impossible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a grammatically sound and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preclude the possibility of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something prevents a specific outcome from occurring. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey prevention or impossibility, often in formal contexts such as scientific, academic, and news media. While it's a valid phrase, remember simpler alternatives like "prevent" or "rule out" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The phrase is very common as demonstrated by the examples count. Related phrases include "eliminate the prospect of" and "prevent any chance of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent any chance of

This is a simpler and more direct way to express prevention.

rule out the chance of

This alternative uses a more direct and less formal phrasing than the original.

preclude any opportunity for

This alternative shifts the focus to preventing a specific opportunity from arising.

eliminate the prospect of

This phrase suggests a more forceful removal of a potential future event.

remove any likelihood of

This is more emphatic, stressing the complete absence of probability.

make something impossible

This alternative is more straightforward and focuses on impossibility.

forestall the risk of

This highlights preventing a specific negative outcome or risk.

obviate the potential for

This is a more formal and technical alternative, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

avert the eventuality of

This alternative focuses on preventing a possible, often undesirable, event from happening.

negate the potential of

This alternative emphasizes the cancellation of potential.

FAQs

How can I use "preclude the possibility of" in a sentence?

You can use "preclude the possibility of" to indicate that something prevents a specific outcome from happening. For example, "Implementing stricter security measures will "preclude the possibility of" unauthorized access to the system".

What are some alternatives to "preclude the possibility of"?

Alternatives include "eliminate the prospect of", "prevent any chance of", or "rule out the chance of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "preclude the possibility of" too formal for general writing?

While grammatically correct, "preclude the possibility of" can be perceived as formal. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In many cases, a simpler alternative like "prevent" may be more effective.

What's the difference between "preclude the possibility of" and "reduce the possibility of"?

"Preclude the possibility of" means to completely eliminate any chance of something happening, while "reduce the possibility of" means to decrease the likelihood of something but not entirely eliminate it. The first implies impossibility, the second, a lower probability.