propose the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"propose the possibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to making a suggestion, especially one that involves a new idea or an alternative solution. For example, "I propose the possibility of creating a new team to work on this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Our findings propose the possibility to engineer heterostructure to obtain ultrathin topological materials.

Solid State Communications

We propose the possibility of undetected SSE triggering the swarm from viewpoints of tectonic and seismic similarity.

Earth, Planets and Space

The Rangers board are to propose the possibility of removing voting rights of shareholders who own stakes in other clubs at a general meeting next month.

BBC

We propose the possibility that Zn transporter plays an important role in the strain difference of Cd toxicity in WI and Fischer rats.

Toxicology

Progress in the understanding of self-renewal and directed differentiation of stem cells on biomimetic materials will lead scientists to propose the possibility of cell-based therapies to treat diseases, including the use of stem cells in tissue engineering.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

The discovery of a seismic gap off Akita prefecture between the source areas of the 1833 Shonai (M 7.5) and the 1983 Nihon-Kai Chubu (Mw 7.7) earthquakes led Ohtake (1995, 2002) to propose the possibility of an M ~ 7.5 earthquake.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In 1917, at the height of his work on relativity, Einstein published an article in Physikalische Zeitschrift that proposed the possibility of stimulated emission, the physical process that makes possible the maser and the laser.

Wikipedia

During the 1953 Detroit Tigers season there were rumors of possible trades for Houtteman, with the Yankees proposing the possibility of trading Hank Bauer, an infielder, and Gil McDougald for Houtteman.

Wikipedia

Fleshing the Press In 1983, the White House spokesman, Larry Speakes, proposed the possibility of charging an application fee to cover the costs of processing White House press passes.

The New York Times

Because Mr. Silver's plan would raise less revenue than the plan Mr. Ravitch proposed, the possibility of service cuts or delayed capital projects still looms.

The New York Times

Everything Is Illuminated proposes the possibility of a "did and didn't" duality, of things being one way and also the opposite way.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propose the possibility" to introduce a novel idea or alternative solution, especially when presenting research findings or suggesting a course of action based on limited evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "propose the possibility" when you have strong evidence supporting your claim. In such cases, a more assertive phrase like "demonstrate" or "prove" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propose the possibility" functions as a hedge, used to introduce a suggestion or hypothesis, often in academic or scientific contexts. It is a way to present an idea without asserting it as a definitive fact, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "propose the possibility" serves as a cautious yet suggestive means of introducing novel ideas, alternative solutions, or hypotheses, predominantly within scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While alternatives like "suggest the chance" or "raise the idea of" exist, "propose the possibility" maintains a formal tone suitable for academic discussions and professional reports. Remember to wield this phrase judiciously, ensuring it aligns with the certainty level of your evidence to prevent overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggest the chance

Emphasizes the element of chance or likelihood.

put forward the prospect

More formal, highlighting a future possibility.

raise the idea of

Focuses on introducing a concept for consideration.

advance the suggestion

Highlights the act of formally putting forward a suggestion.

posit the potential

More academic, suggesting a latent capability.

theorize the likelihood

Focuses on forming a theory about a probable event.

speculate on the option

Indicates a more tentative or exploratory consideration.

hypothesize the opportunity

Introduces a hypothesis about a favorable circumstance.

float the concept

Informal, suggesting a trial balloon for an idea.

venture the opinion

Expresses a view cautiously.

FAQs

How can I use "propose the possibility" in a sentence?

You can use "propose the possibility" to introduce a suggestion, especially one that involves a new idea or an alternative solution. For example, "The study "proposes the possibility" of using AI in education."

What phrases are similar to "propose the possibility"?

Alternatives include "suggest the chance", "raise the idea of", or "put forward the prospect", each carrying slightly different nuances in formality and emphasis.

Is it better to say "propose a possibility" or "propose the possibility"?

"Propose the possibility" is generally preferred when referring to a specific potential outcome or idea. "Propose a possibility" is grammatically correct, but less common.

When is it inappropriate to use "propose the possibility"?

Avoid using "propose the possibility" when your statement is backed by solid data or if you're stating a well-established fact. Alternatives that suggest greater certainty, such as "demonstrate" or "establish", would be more suitable.