pursuing the possibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pursuing the possibility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of exploring or investigating potential options or opportunities. Example: "The team is currently pursuing the possibility of expanding our services to new markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"We should be aggressively pursuing the possibility that Emmanuel was involved in Elizabeth's abduction".

The New York Times

Investigators are pursuing the possibility that Mr. Luna's killing was connected to the drug case.

The New York Times

Mansfield and others are said to be "pursuing the possibility of reconfiguring resources" to carry on using smaller premises.

The Guardian

"I am even pursuing the possibility that his actions have been caused by an unknown physical condition".

The New York Times

Mr. Margulies said he was pursuing the possibility of a similar action against Dr. Jessen, who is licensed in Idaho.

The New York Times

They are pursuing the possibility even though Steinbrenner, as part of the agreement, said he would not initiate a lawsuit.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Heffernan also captures perfectly Oppenheimer's mix of social unease and professional ego, not least in his angry confrontations with Edward Teller, obsessed with pursuing the possibilities of a hydrogen bomb.

The Guardian

Why not pursue the possibility of getting into the Premier League.

Independent

The announcement also said the United States would pursue the possibility of sending medical and educational teams.

The New York Times

Hart and his team now plan to pursue the possibility of printed electronics.

MIT Technology Review

She explained that she "had personally pursued the possibility of hosting this event as part of the Royal Charity Program".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pursuing the possibility", ensure the context clearly defines what 'the possibility' entails. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your audience understands what is being explored or investigated.

Common error

Avoid using "pursuing the possibility" when a decision has already been made or a course of action is already underway. This phrase implies exploration, not implementation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pursuing the possibility" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun that describes the action of investigating a potential option. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from criminal investigations to business strategies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pursuing the possibility" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the active investigation or consideration of a potential option. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, including news media, academic research, and general discourse. The phrase carries a neutral tone, fitting both formal and informal communication. Remember to use it when you want to convey an active exploration without implying certainty. Alternatives like "exploring the potential" or "investigating the option" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exploring the potential

Focuses on a broader investigation of inherent capabilities or opportunities, less specific than a defined possibility.

investigating the option

Emphasizes a detailed inquiry into a specific choice or alternative.

considering the prospect

Highlights the mental evaluation of a future event or outcome.

exploring the avenue

Implies examining a particular method or approach to achieve a goal.

looking into the feasibility

Concentrates on assessing the practicality and viability of an idea or plan.

assessing the likelihood

Places emphasis on determining the probability of something happening.

examining the chance

Similar to assessing likelihood, but often used for less formal contexts.

entertaining the idea

Suggests a preliminary consideration without a firm commitment to action.

contemplating the option

Implies a thoughtful and prolonged consideration of available choices.

pondering the alternative

Similar to contemplating, but with a focus on a contrasting or substitute plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "pursuing the possibility" to indicate an active exploration or investigation of a potential option. For example, "The investigators are "pursuing the possibility" that the fire was an arson."

What are some alternatives to "pursuing the possibility"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exploring the potential", "investigating the option", or "considering the prospect".

When is it appropriate to use "pursuing the possibility"?

Use "pursuing the possibility" when you want to convey that someone or something is actively considering or investigating a particular course of action or outcome, but without implying certainty or commitment.

What is the difference between "pursuing the possibility" and "exploring the possibility"?

"Pursuing the possibility" suggests a more active and directed effort than "exploring the possibility", which can imply a more general or preliminary investigation.